TCMA guides · Your first consultation
You don’t need to know which treatment you need. That’s what we’re here for.
Tell us what you’ve noticed and what you’d like help with. At our doctor-led skin and cosmetic clinic in Surry Hills, Sydney, we work to understand what is causing your concerns, then build a plan around you.
Choose your consultation ↗Dr Amy Chahal & our dermal therapy team
Three ways to begin · fees and deposits from $100
If you’re unsure which skin treatment to book, start with a consultation. Understanding the cause of your concern helps us decide which treatments, skincare or further assessment may be appropriate.
Understanding comes first
You may be noticing uneven tone, a change in texture, skin that feels less comfortable or changes in your face over time. You may have tried products or treatments without understanding why the concern keeps returning.
Our first job is to listen and work out what is happening. A diagnosis is an understanding of the condition or cause behind the concern. That may involve more than one contributing factor. Sometimes the cause is clear at your appointment; sometimes further assessment, testing or a referral is needed before we can be confident.
At TCMA, Dr Amy Chahal assesses medical concerns and makes a clinical diagnosis where appropriate. Our dermal therapists assess skin and skincare needs within their expertise, with medical review when needed. You don’t have to work out the distinction alone—we can help you choose the right starting point.
For example, if your concern is pigmentation, the useful first question is what kind of pigmentation it is. If your concern is facial ageing, we consider the skin and facial changes together. Your assessment gives the treatment a purpose.
Your concerns, priorities and history.
Assessment, contributing causes and diagnosis where appropriate.
Suitable options, costs, timing and your choice.
Your response and the next step, together.
Clinical judgement, supported by useful tools
Technology helps us look more closely and record a starting point. Its value comes from how your practitioner interprets it alongside your history and clinical assessment.
We ask what has changed, when you noticed it, what you’ve tried and how it affects you. Your health, medicines, previous procedures and current skincare help us understand the picture.
Your practitioner examines the concern and discusses the likely causes. Dr Amy can assess medical concerns and explain whether any further investigation or referral is needed.
The Complexion Consultation includes skin assessment and imaging. These support a discussion about your skin, home routine and suitable treatment options, and can provide a reference for future reviews.
The Strategy Session with Dr Amy includes 3D imaging and facial analysis as part of a broader face and skin assessment. Together, these help you explore your priorities and plan care over time.
Tools vary with the consultation and clinical need. Imaging supports assessment; a scan alone does not establish a diagnosis.
A plan for the person, not just the concern
A useful plan explains what we think is causing your concerns, what could help and why. It brings your priorities together with your budget, available recovery time and longer-term goals.
You may begin with everyday skincare, a suitable treatment or a medical review. You can decide what matters most now and what can wait. As your needs change, your plan can evolve with you.
See an example care roadmap →Dr Amy leads TCMA’s clinical approach, with our dermal team contributing their skin expertise. Your practitioner considers suitability, explains expected benefits and risks, discusses alternatives and gives you space to decide.
Doctor-led care does not mean every appointment is with a doctor. Choose a consultation with Dr Amy if you would like her assessment. All treatments have risks; the aim is an informed, individual decision with clear aftercare and review.
Meet the team and explore our approach →Three ways to begin · Surry Hills, Sydney
My complexion needs direction
With our dermal therapists
For skin texture, uneven tone, congestion or a skincare routine that no longer feels right. Includes skin assessment and imaging, a review of your routine and a written treatment and skincare plan.
Medical review can be arranged where needed.
$100
Deposit, redeemable against treatment only—not skincare products. Around 45 minutes.
Book with our dermal team ↗I have one concern
With Dr Amy Chahal
For one concern or area you would like Dr Amy to assess. Discuss what may be causing it, suitable options and whether further assessment is needed.
Your appointment includes cosmetic medicine assessment and planning for that concern, with fees and recovery explained.
$150
Consultation fee, not redeemable against treatment. Treatment fees are separate.
Book a Focused Consultation ↗I want a longer-term plan
With Dr Amy Chahal
For several concerns or a broader, long-term skin and cosmetic medicine plan. Includes face and skin assessment, 3D imaging and facial analysis.
Bring skincare, skin treatments and cosmetic medicine together in a written roadmap, with priorities and review in mind.
$250
Consultation fee, not redeemable against treatment. Allow 60 minutes.
Book a Strategy Session ↗Still unsure? Call (02) 8074 1559. Tell our team what you’d like help with, and we’ll help you choose.
Your appointment is confirmed once you successfully complete your online booking through Timely. Treatment suitability is assessed individually; booking a consultation does not commit you to treatment.
Before your first visit
You might ask: what is causing this, which options suit me, what are the risks and what would happen if I waited? We want you to leave understanding the reasoning behind your plan.
Further reading: Healthdirect’s questions to ask your doctor.
A little clarity before you book
No. Start with what you’ve noticed and what you’d like help with. Your consultation is where we assess the concern, discuss its likely cause and explain suitable next steps.
That is a good reason to seek assessment. Dr Amy can assess medical concerns and make a diagnosis where appropriate. If further investigation is needed, she will explain that before recommending a treatment plan.
Choose a Complexion Consultation for skincare and skin-treatment planning with our dermal team. Choose a Focused Consultation for one concern with Dr Amy, or a Strategy Session for a broader face and skin plan. Our reception team can help you decide.
No. The Strategy Session includes 3D imaging and facial analysis. The Complexion Consultation includes skin assessment and imaging. Tools are selected for the scope of your appointment and your clinical needs.
No. You can ask questions, consider the options and take time to decide. Treatment costs are separate, and suitability is assessed individually.
The $100 Complexion Consultation deposit is redeemable against treatment only, not skincare products. The $150 Focused Consultation and $250 Strategy Session fees are not redeemable against treatment.
TCMA is at 240 Riley Street, Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010. View contact details and plan your visit.
Keep exploring
By Dr. Amy Chahal, cosmetic physician and founder of TCMA. Published 6 October 2026. General information; your care is based on individual assessment.
Your first step can be a conversation
We’ll help you understand what is happening and build your next steps together.
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