Safety First: The importance of choosing a Reputable Medical Spa
Non-surgical aesthetic treatments have risen in popularity over the past decade giving patients the opportunity to improve their appearance without the need for invasive and costly surgery. However, with the demand for nonsurgical aesthetic treatments comes the responsibility of providers to prioritize patient safety and adhere to best practice standards ensuring best patient outcomes.
Here’s how reputable non-surgical aesthetic practitioners ensure they are providing exceptional care and utilize the safest techniques and protocols for optimal patient outcomes:
Conducting a Thorough Patient Assessment
A thorough patient assessment is the cornerstone of safe aesthetic treatments. Providers should conduct detailed consultations that include reviewing a medical history, discussing the patient’s skin condition and facial anatomy, and identifying potential contraindications. This comprehensive approach allows providers to individualize treatments for each patient based on their unique need and characteristics.
Prioritizing Ongoing Education
Reputable aesthetics providers are continuous learners, prioritizing their ongoing education to elevate knowledge and constantly improve technique in practice. It’s critical that providers hold relevant medical qualifications and have prior experience in the health care field to ensure that the depth and breadth of knowledge meet the requirements necessary to carry out procedures that can result in complications that require medical management. Good aesthetic providers undergo continuous specialized training in their specialty to stay abreast of the latest techniques and protocols to maintain the safest level of care for their patients.
Offering Alternative Options
Before any medical procedure, all patients should be informed about alternative options, including foregoing the procedure. A discussion with a qualified provider prior to undergoing any treatment, using easy to understand language, is an important part of informed consent and a patient’s right to make decisions based on a good understanding of all aspects of their care.
FDA Approved Products
Reputable providers only use FDA approved products and devices for aesthetic treatments. It is ok to request documentation or labeling from a provider that confirms FDA approval for the specific products and devices to be used in treatment. All FDA-approved injectables have specific labeling and anti-counterfeiting features. Patients can visit the FDA website to verify approved products used in aesthetic procedures.
Patient Follow Through & Care
Good patient care in any specialty includes follow through. Best practices include offering scheduled follow-up appointments to observe results and address any concerns, providing patients with clear instructions for post-treatment care, and being available at ALL times to address any questions or complications that may arise after treatment.
Avoid red flags including:
Treatments offered at unusually low prices.
Providers who are unwilling or unable to provide clear information about their products.
Providers who pressure you to make a quick decision without having a conversation about your wishes and goals.
Where is the treatment is being offered? Aesthetic procedures should be undertaken in a medical spa setting where there is access to medications and tools to deal with a complication, not in a home or at a party.
Finally, always prioritize your safety. Ask questions! There is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion.
About the Author
“I study faces all the time. I can see how features and natural assets can be subtly sculpted so that someone looks fresh and not artificial.”
Jana Magarian, APRN
Owner of Radiant Esthetics
Jana is the owner of Radiant Esthetics. Radiant Esthetics MedSpa was founded in 2017 to help clients who want to enhance their natural beauty. Jana grew interested in medical esthetics after she saw how slight enhancements could improve confidence in ones’ appearance.
Jana is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the Esthetics Skin Institute and the American Academy of Procedural Medicine.