Cookie Policy
This page lists every cookie and similar technology used on refinedmedicalaesthetics.uk, what each one does, and how long it lasts. We use the cookie banner (which you saw when you arrived on the site) to let you choose which categories you accept. Strictly necessary cookies are always on because the site can't function without them; everything else is opt-in.
Open cookie preferencesWhat's a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file stored on your device when you visit a website. Cookies and similar technologies (like local storage and pixels) help websites work, remember your preferences, measure how they're used, and (where you've consented) tailor advertising to you. The UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) require us to ask for your consent before setting non-essential ones.
Categories we use
1. Strictly necessary
These are required for the site to function and your preferences to be remembered. They cannot be turned off.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
klaro |
Refined (Klaro consent manager) | Remembers which cookie categories you've accepted or rejected, so we don't ask you again on every page. | 120 days |
refinedTheme (localStorage) |
Refined | Remembers whether you chose dark or light mode for the site. | Until you clear it |
popupClosedThisSession (sessionStorage) |
Refined | Stops the welcome pop-up from re-opening on every page in the same browsing session. | Until you close the tab |
2. Analytics (opt-in)
These help us understand how the site is used so we can make it better. They only fire if you accept the analytics category in the cookie banner. Personal data is not used.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga |
Google Analytics 4 | Distinguishes unique users. | 2 years |
_ga_5JSFZX11H2 |
Google Analytics 4 | Holds the session state for our specific GA4 property. | 2 years |
| Google Tag Manager container | Google Tag Manager | Loads the analytics and advertising tags listed elsewhere in this table — only if their category is accepted. | Session |
3. Advertising (opt-in)
These let us show you relevant adverts on Facebook, Instagram and Google after you've visited our site, and let us measure whether our adverts work. They only fire if you accept the advertising category in the cookie banner.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
_fbp |
Meta (Facebook / Instagram) | Identifies your browser to Meta for advertising attribution and remarketing. | 3 months |
_fbc |
Meta (Facebook / Instagram) | Stores the click ID from a Meta ad you arrived through, so the conversion can be attributed correctly. | 2 years |
_gcl_au |
Google Ads | Used by Google for conversion tracking and remarketing across the Google network. | 3 months |
_gcl_aw / _gac_* |
Google Ads | Stores the click ID from a Google ad you arrived through, used for conversion attribution. | 90 days |
4. Functional (opt-in)
Used by features that aren't essential but enhance the experience.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chatbase widget | Chatbase | Powers the on-site chat assistant. Conversations are processed by Chatbase to provide responses. | Session + persistent chat history |
| SociableKit (Google Reviews widget) | SociableKit | Embeds our public Google reviews on the site. | Session |
| Google Fonts | Loads the brand fonts (Fraunces and DM Sans) from Google's CDN. | 1 year (cached font files) |
How to change or withdraw your consent
You can change your cookie choices at any time using the button below or the "Cookie preferences" link in the site footer. Your choices apply across the site and persist for 120 days, after which we'll ask again.
Open cookie preferencesYou can also block cookies entirely in your browser settings. The Information Commissioner's Office has a guide on managing cookies in your browser. Note that disabling strictly necessary cookies will stop parts of the site working.
Third-party cookies — control at the source
Some cookies are set by third parties when you accept the relevant category. You can also control them directly with the providers themselves:
- Google Analytics — opt-out browser add-on
- Google Ads — ad settings
- Meta (Facebook / Instagram) — ad preferences
Updates
We update this page when we add or change a cookie. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent change.
For broader information about how we handle your data, see our Privacy Policy.