At last – the consultation all Aesthetic professionals have waited for
As many of you know – I have a passion for what I do, feel very privileged and am aware of my responsibilities to my patients.
This is why, over 5 years ago I wrote my first blog talking about the growing concern of non-medical practitioners delivering cosmetic treatments. Treatments are being given by beauticians in beauty parlours by people with no medical training or supervision, with little aftercare, and in some cases, botched procedures that require medical treatment.
The government states that treatments should be undertaken in ‘suitable’ premises which meet the necessary standards of hygiene, infection control and cleanliness. They will deem it has to be a safe appropriate setting for clinical treatments, this will also require a license.
In April 2022, the Health and Care Act ( https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/31/section/180/enacted ) finally gave the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care the power to introduce a licensing regime for non- surgical cosmetic procedures in England. The purpose of the scheme is to ensure that consumers who choose to undergo a non-surgical cosmetic procedure can be confident that the treatment they receive is safe and of a high standard. I am a doctor, and proud of the training I have taken since stepping away from being a GP in the field of aesthetic medicine. That is why I get so incensed when I hear of a botched procedure that will cost thousands of painful hours to correct – when it can be corrected. So, I thought I would explain what experience I have gained in the 20 years I have been doing this and why being a qualified Doctor delivering cosmetic treatments is so important.
- Expertise and Skill Development: Over two decades of practice has allowed me to hone my skills to a high level of proficiency. I have encountered a wide range of patients, various aesthetic procedures, and evolving technologies. I have grown with the industry.
- Safety and Risk Management: Experience is crucial for ensuring the safety of patients. A seasoned aesthetic medicine practitioner is well-versed in risk assessment, complication management, and the avoidance of adverse outcomes. They can navigate potential complications with greater confidence and expertise.
- In-Depth Knowledge: Two decades of experience has given me a deep understanding of aesthetic medicine, including the latest advancements, research, and best practices. Such knowledge helps me make informed decisions and tailor treatments to individual patient needs.
- Patient Trust and Confidence: Patients often seek doctors with a long history of experience as it instils trust and confidence. Knowing that a doctor has successfully treated numerous patients over the years can make patients feel more confident.
- Customisation of Treatments: With extensive experience, a doctor can offer a wide range of treatment options and customise them to suit each patients needs.
- Ethical Practice: An experienced doctor in aesthetic medicine is more likely to uphold ethical standards in the field. We are well-versed in informed consent, patient education, and setting realistic expectations, which is crucial for ethical practice.
- Adaptation to Trends: Aesthetic medicine is a field that constantly evolves with new techniques and technologies. An experienced doctor is better equipped to adapt to these changes, integrate them into their practice, and offer cutting-edge safe treatments to patients. At Somerset Cosmetic Clinic we will only offer treatments that we think will benefit each patient – we operate an ethical practice model.
- Building a Reputation: Over two decades, I have built a strong professional reputation. Because of this I have a loyal patient base and referrals.
In summary, having 20 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, while being a doctor, brings a wealth of expertise, trustworthiness, customisation capabilities, and adaptability to a dynamic field and my patients are confident that they will safe and that realistic treatments are available.
There is a very important consultation being undertaken now regarding the licensing on non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the UK. (ending 28th October 2023). I would be very grateful if you felt you were able to participate in this important consultation. People are being treated by non-professionals in less than ideal circumstances – please have your say!
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/licensing-of-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures
The two previous blogs I have written about this are:
https://www.somersetcosmeticclinic.co.uk/news/experienced-aesthetic-doctors/
https://www.somersetcosmeticclinic.co.uk/news/growing-concern-amongst-aesthetic-cosmetic-practitioners/