Cookie Policy
How we use cookies and similar technologies on our website
Last updated: 27 March 2026
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, provide a better user experience, and supply information to site owners. Some cookies are essential for the website to function, while others help us understand how visitors use the site or enable certain features.
2. How We Use Cookies
When you first visit www.drclareaesthetics.co.uk, a consent banner appears asking you to accept all cookies or manage your preferences. You can change your choices at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of every page.
We group cookies into three categories:
2.1 Essential Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences or completing a form.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
cookieConsentDetailsDrClare |
Dr Clare Aesthetics | Stores your cookie consent preferences (analytics/marketing choices and timestamp). | 180 days |
PHPSESSID |
Dr Clare Aesthetics | Standard PHP session cookie used to maintain your session while browsing (e.g. forms, booking). | Session (deleted when you close your browser) |
2.2 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting information anonymously. They are only set if you consent to analytics cookies.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga |
Google Analytics (via GTM) | Distinguishes unique visitors to the site. | 2 years |
_ga_* |
Google Analytics (via GTM) | Maintains session state. | 2 years |
_gid |
Google Analytics (via GTM) | Distinguishes users for the current day. | 24 hours |
_gat |
Google Analytics (via GTM) | Throttles the request rate to Google Analytics. | 1 minute |
Google Tag Manager is loaded only after you consent to analytics cookies. For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy.
2.3 Marketing Cookies
Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites to display relevant advertisements. They are only set if you consent to marketing cookies.
We may use marketing tags delivered through Google Tag Manager. The specific cookies set depend on the advertising platforms configured at any given time. If marketing cookies are declined, no marketing tags will be loaded.
3. Third-Party Cookies
Our website integrates the following third-party services, which may set their own cookies:
| Service | Purpose | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Google reCAPTCHA v3 | Protects our contact form from spam and abuse. May set cookies such as _GRECAPTCHA. |
Google Privacy Policy |
| Elfsight (Google Reviews widget) | Displays Google Reviews on selected pages. May set its own cookies. | Elfsight Privacy Policy |
| Stripe | Processes secure payments. May set cookies such as __stripe_mid and __stripe_sid for fraud prevention. |
Stripe Privacy Policy |
| Google Maps | Displays an embedded map on the clinic and contact pages. May set cookies via the iframe. | Google Privacy Policy |
4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You can manage your cookie preferences in two ways:
- On our website – Click the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of any page to open the preference panel. You can enable or disable analytics and marketing cookies at any time. Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are required for the website to function.
- In your browser – Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can block or delete cookies, but this may affect how the website functions. See your browser's help pages for instructions:
5. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use or for regulatory reasons. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
6. Further Information
For more information about how we handle your personal data, please read our Privacy Policy. If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
- Dr Clare Aesthetics
- Vera Avenue, Grange Park, London N21 1RN
- Email: info@drclareaesthetics.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 7510 574 272