It is hard to avoid the horror stories about Botox and dermal fillers. A quick search for ‘botched lip filler’ is enough to put most people off going under the needle! However, the risk of serious complications with Botox and fillers is low if they are performed by a medically-trained professional in a safe and sterile environment.
Non-surgical treatments have been poorly regulated for many years, meaning not all aesthetic practitioners are medically trained. With so many inexperienced practitioners out there, it can be a confusing process to find a practitioner with the right skills and training to give you the results you are looking for. With that in mind, I’d like to share with you my tips for choosing a qualified aesthetic practitioner who you can trust. Have a Consultation First
Be wary if any aesthetic provider offers to perform a treatment without having a consultation with you first. The same treatment can produce completely different results on different patients, so it is important for the person treating you to consider your unique circumstances, your medical history, and your facial proportions, before proceeding with a treatment.
A consultation is also an opportunity for you to meet the person who would be performing your treatment. You can ask any questions you have about them and the treatment process, develop trust in their abilities. You should have confidence in the person who is treating you, so if you don’t get a good feeling after this consultation there is probably a reason why!
Check Their Training and Accreditations
It’s always best to ask about an aesthetic practitioner’s training and experience. Accreditations and memberships to regulatory bodies demonstrate that your practitioner has a certain level of clinical training and experience. If they are properly qualified, they will be registered with either the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the General Medical Council or the General Dental Council for Dentists. These organisations allow you to search their register of members online, so you can be sure that your aesthetic doctor, nurse or dentist is genuine. They may also be members of The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses/Doctors or the British College of Aesthetic Medicine and it’s wise to ask if they are insured too. Botox is a prescription only treatment, so it is imperative that only a qualified, experienced nurse prescriber or doctor prescribes it.
Ask for Proof
Aesthetic practitioners should be proud of the results they have achieved for previous clients and have plenty of pictures to show you if requested. Before and after photos give you an indication of their skill and the effectiveness of the treatment. Reviews from previous clients might also help to give you an idea of how trusted the practitioner is. Have a read through any testimonials on their website, and read reviews which previous clients have left on Facebook or Google. Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth either; if any friends or family have had aesthetic treatments before, ask for their recommendations.
Look Out for the Warning Signs
The decision to get an aesthetic treatment is not an easy one, and finding the right provider can make it even more difficult. Genuine aesthetics practitioners will never inject Botox or dermal fillers without taking your medical history, and they shouldn’t pressure you into a particular treatment route either. Try and avoid making a decision solely based on price; the consequences of a bad treatment could be life-long, so prioritise the practitioner’s qualifications and expertise over the price.
Botox and dermal fillers are safe treatments which carry very few risks, but only in the hands of a qualified professional. At KP Aesthetics, I adhere to the highest clinical standards and make patient safety my priority. All patients will have a thorough consultation before any treatment plan is agreed on, and you will never be pressured into a particular treatment route. If you would like to maintain a youthful appearance with aesthetic treatments, book your consultation with Khatra today.
