Choosing the right doctor or practitioner for your aesthetic treatments is essential. The doctor you choose should have extensive knowledge of aesthetic treatments, as well as the anatomy of the face and body, and a commitment to providing excellent patient care. It is also essential that they understand both the technical aspects of performing the procedure, as well as any potential risks involved in undergoing it, and so should you, to an extent.
There are many places you can receive aesthetic treatments, however, not everyone who performs them is fully trained, in a regulated clinic, nor do they perform the procedure properly. Even though these places might seem more affordable, the long-term risks end up being costly and could make the areas you’re having done worse than they were initially.
In this blog, we outline the key things you need to question so that you can choose the right practitioner for the work you’re thinking of having done:
Does the doctor work at a regulated clinic?
It’s important to ensure that the doctor you choose is working at a regulated clinic, as this means they adhere to set standards of cleanliness and safety. You should look for a CQC-regulated clinic, as these are the same regulatory body as GPs, hospitals, dentists and more. Skin Excellence Clinics are proud to say that we are a CQC-regulated clinic.
What is the premises of the clinic like?
Patients need a calm, clean, and safe environment for treatments. The premises of the doctor’s clinic should be clean and tidy, with all tools and equipment used being sterilised in between use on different patients.
How much training, experience, and education does the doctor have?
The doctor should have extensive training, experience, and education in aesthetics for them to be qualified to perform treatments, but not all of them do. You’ll find non-regulated clinics, salons, and underqualified beauticians (and even hairdressers!) offer these treatments but don’t have the expertise or experience to correct something, should the procedure go wrong.
Unfortunately, treatments like botulinum injections can be legally performed by anyone. Also, Botox is a prescription drug and any non-medic who performs Botox must have a prescriber. Legally, the prescriber should be doing the consultation and overseeing the Botox treatment, but in reality, this doesn’t happen on a day-to-day basis in unregulated settings where the injector is non-medic.
You can find out more in our blog The Importance of Safety in Aesthetics.
For peace of mind when choosing the right practitioner, you should look on their website to find out about the experience and qualifications, on medical registers, and you also have the right to ask for proof of certification.
Do the clinic and the doctors know what to do in an emergency?
It is important to ensure that the doctor you choose knows what to do in an emergency. At Skin Excellence Clinics, we are equipped with a crash trolley that is stocked with essential equipment that can be used in emergencies. But we’re proud to say that we rarely have anything go wrong with our treatments because we have the correct measurements in place and know exactly what we’re doing.
At the end of the day, your safety should always come first when it comes to aesthetic treatments, so make sure you take these points into consideration before making any decisions about who you trust for your treatments. Doing your research beforehand will help ensure a safe and satisfying outcome.
How important are the prices?
Another factor to consider is the prices of treatments. However, this should never be your main deciding factor when choosing a practitioner. Cheaper options are not always the safest or best quality and could even put your health at risk if the doctor doesn’t have the required knowledge and qualifications.
When you go for an appointment, take care in listening to what they say, research online reviews and check that they’re compliant with industry regulations before committing to anything. This will help ensure you get the best results possible from any treatment you choose to have done.
It is also worth considering how long-term effects can affect how much money you need to spend over time on correcting a problem that was created by lack of knowledge or expertise. In the long run, investing in a doctor who is knowledgeable and experienced could save you a lot of money compared to having to go back multiple times to correct something that went wrong.
Do they provide a consultation?
A doctor should always provide a consultation before any treatment so that they can assess your skin and body type and medical history. Here, a doctor will be able to answer any questions you have and advise on the best course of action for you, as well as provide aftercare advice. This is also an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about the treatment or ask for further information about the doctor’s skills and experience.
At Skin Excellence Clinics, we always carry out thorough consultations to ensure that each patient gets exactly what they need from their treatments and feels safe and comfortable.
Do you feel like you can trust them?
The doctor you choose should be someone you trust to provide the best care for your skin and body. Qualifications, experience, and industry knowledge are important when it comes to aesthetics, but so is how comfortable you feel talking about any concerns or queries with the doctor. If ever you are unsure about something before committing to a treatment, ask questions – this will help ensure that both parties know exactly what is expected throughout the process.
We put patient safety first in every appointment and make sure that each patient gets all their questions answered before committing to any treatment. We also pride ourselves on being an open and friendly clinic where our patients can come to get advice or just chat about anything they’re unsure of.
Does the doctor have excellent communication skills?
An excellent doctor should also have strong communication skills. This means that they can explain any treatments, their risks, and potential complications in a clear and understandable way. They should also be able to answer any questions you have promptly, giving you the confidence that they are knowledgeable and trustworthy.
Do the clinic and doctors have the right insurance in place?
In addition to qualifications and experience, it’s important to ensure that the doctor you are choosing has the right insurance in place. This will cover any medical complications that may arise from the treatments and ensure that you are safe in the doctor’s hands. It’s also worth checking that the doctor is registered with the relevant medical board.
How many reviews do they have?
You should check how many reviews the doctor and the clinic have. This will give you an indication of the quality of care that the doctor provides and can help you to make an educated decision before committing to anything.
Is there evidence of Before and Afters?
It’s worth looking for evidence of Before and Afters on the doctor or clinic’s website. This will give you an idea of what you can expect from your treatment as well as provide a real insight into the doctor’s experience and skill level.
At Skin Excellence Clinics, we supply before and after images for every treatment so you know exactly what we can do and how well we can do it.
Ultimately, selecting a doctor for aesthetic procedures requires careful consideration. Be sure to do your research to ensure that you are picking a doctor who is experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to patient care. With the right doctor by your side, you can rest assured that the outcome of your treatment will be safe and effective!
Book your consultation today or call us on 0800 298 2391. We have clinics in Plymouth and Wells that provide the highest quality, safest, non-surgical treatments in the South and Southwest.