FAQ
Real questions, plain answers.
Medical & safety
Who performs my treatment?+
Every injectable and energy-based treatment at Lumen is performed by a licensed medical provider: Dr. Auclair, our nurse practitioner, or one of our RN injectors with at least three years of aesthetic-only experience. We do not delegate medical procedures to estheticians.
Is Lumen a medical practice?+
Yes. Lumen Aesthetic Studio is a physician-owned medical practice under the direction of Dr. Sophia Auclair, MD. Every patient receives a medical consultation, and treatment plans are prescribed and supervised by our medical director.
What if I'm pregnant or nursing?+
Most injectable and energy treatments are deferred until after pregnancy and nursing. We are happy to design a pregnancy-safe regimen of facials, hydration, and topicals to keep your skin radiant in the meantime.
Do you treat patients with darker skin tones?+
Yes, and it is an area of specific expertise at Lumen. Our laser protocols for Fitzpatrick types IV through VI are reviewed by Dr. Auclair and include a standard 5-step pre-treatment protocol that significantly reduces risk. We welcome patients who have had negative experiences at other practices.
The consultation
What is the consultation process?+
Every new patient begins with a complimentary 45-minute consultation, including a digital Visia® skin analysis and a written treatment plan. There is no pressure to book on the spot, and the plan is yours to take with you.
Will I look natural?+
Our entire philosophy is built around restraint. We will tell you when less is more, and we will pace your treatment plan over months rather than push for everything in one visit. You should look like yourself, only more rested, balanced, and luminous.
How do I know what I actually need?+
That is what the consultation is for. Many patients come in asking for one thing and leave with a completely different plan that better addresses the underlying concern. We are as likely to talk you out of something as into it.
Pricing & membership
Do you offer financing?+
Yes. We accept CareCredit and Cherry Financing with 0% APR plans for qualified patients. Our membership programs also provide a structured way to budget your aesthetic care monthly.
How does membership pricing work?+
Members receive 10–20% off all treatments depending on tier, plus one or two included services each month. The discount applies at checkout automatically, and unused monthly services roll forward up to 90 days.
Is there a minimum membership commitment?+
All memberships require a 3-month minimum and then continue month-to-month. You can pause for up to 60 days per calendar year with 30 days' notice.
Scheduling & policies
What's your cancellation policy?+
We ask for 24 hours' notice on any change. Late cancellations and no-shows are subject to a 50% service charge to respect your provider's time. Members receive one courtesy waiver per year.
How far in advance do I need to book?+
For consultations, we typically have availability within 5 to 7 business days. For same-day or next-day appointments, we recommend joining our concierge waitlist, which is included in all membership tiers.
Still have a question?
Ask us directly.
The best answers come from a real conversation with your provider. Our complimentary consultation is 45 minutes and includes a digital skin analysis. No obligation, no upsell.
Go deeper
From our patient education library
Why natural results take longer than you think
A plain-English look at why the treatments that look best at two years are rarely the ones that look impressive at two weeks.
Available at your consultation or on request via email.
Injectables for skin of color: what the data says
How our protocols differ for patients with Fitzpatrick types IV–VI, and why most clinics are not accounting for the difference.
Available at your consultation or on request via email.
Membership vs. pay-as-you-go: an honest comparison
The math behind our three membership tiers, who benefits most from each, and when a membership is actually not the right choice.
Available at your consultation or on request via email.