Safe Hands - And How To Find Them

1. Safe Hands - And How To Find Them In my professional opinion selecting someone to carry out your facial aesthetics procedures is as important as selecting a life partner. That's a big, bold statement to make, I know, but I believe you should never underestimate the importance of getting it right when it comes to the person you're entrusting to make aesthetic changes - and hopefully enhancements at that - to your face or body. So whenever I have time to flick through the newspapers these are headlines that strike fear in me… "Patients put at risk over Botox jabs" and "'Aesthetics consultant' who offered me treatment minutes after we met". The words scream out why, why why? Why would anyone put himself or herself at risk over such an important decision? Why would you allow someone to invade your personal space and then carry out a procedure, which involves needles without fully checking out their credentials and experience? Why would you compromise on safety, expertise and experience all to save a few pounds?

2. The headlines to which I refer appeared in articles in The Times in December and, to me, underline the importance of carefully selecting your aesthetics practitioner. For me, the criteria should be straightforward. Select a fully qualified medical doctor who can demonstrate expertise and experience in his field of cosmetic work and who carries out procedures in appropriate surroundings. Of course I appreciate there will be factors that make some people sway from the all-important mantra I've just stated. Peer pressure can come into play. "Oh, my friend gets it done so much cheaper elsewhere so I'm going there." "My aunt has her Botox done and the person comes to her house and it's all done in less than 15 minutes. Oh, she only pays £xxx for it too." Sounds appealing to you? Sounds scary to me! There's a play on an old adage - Cheap is not always cheerful" and I agree 100%.

3. I will often hear my receptionists almost justifying my fees for Botox by explaining that the caller isn't comparing 'like for like'. Yes, the lesser- qualified and lesser experienced may well be charging 10% or 20% less but there's a reason for that. I truly believe you pay for what you get. My patients get first-class treatment administered by me who is a fully qualified medical doctor who not only has extensive experience and expertise in his field but whose technique and skills are sought after by fellow doctors and surgeons the world over. I'm often referred to as "Master of Contouring" which, while hugely flattering, isn't as important as the label of Doctor for which I extensively studied and work hard to retain on a yearly basis, thanks to the General Medical Council rules and regulations. I'd always encourage patients to have their treatments carried out by a doctor whose full time role is in cosmetic medicine - and not by a mobile injector as I refer to the alternative. By that I mean a practitioner who perhaps performs Botox as a sideline, a revenue spinner or even a hobby. Like anyone you'd want the best so stick to the best and opt for a doctor whose track record in his field speaks volumes. Do your Google research. Check out patient testimonials. Check out the reviews by patients - their feedback can speak volumes.

4. Once you've selected make sure your chosen practitioner carries out a full, in-depth consultation during which he or she amasses as much information about you, your medical background and, of course, your aims and aspirations for the treatment being undertaken. It's worth expanding on the headline "'Aesthetics consultant' who offered me treatment minutes after we met". The article highlighted the many 'practitioners' who give themselves fancy titles, which in my view serve to confuse the public. The piece spoke of the treatment being carried out in the back room of a beauty salon in Islington with patients walking in off the street and being injected within minutes. Consent forms weren't always signed, ID wasn't necessarily shown and the treatments were offered at 'cut price'. The article further revealed details of one man - known as an 'aesthetics consultant' - whose colleagues also referred to him as a 'qualified doctor'. There was no mention of this chap on the medical register and when

5. confronted he said the beauticians who labelled him a 'doctor' were mistaken. General Medical Council regulations state clearly the guidelines regarding the prescribing of Botox. Doctors should have 'first-hand experience of the patient before they can prescribe". That means - in my clinic - the patient should be properly examined during a proper consultation and full consent explained and given. So summing up, the message is simple. Stuck to a bona fide doctor. Choose one that carries out aesthetics treatments on a full-time basis and fully check out his or her experience and expertise. Only then you'll know you're in safe hands. About Essence Medical Clinic : Essence Medical is Scotland's leading cosmetic clinic. Dr Kieren Bong is an internationally recognised expert in advanced facial aesthetics treatments. We offer Botox Glasgow, cosmetic surgery glasgow, advanced dermal fillers treatments, chemical skin peel, lip enhancement, dermaroller, and non-surgical liquid face lift. This article originally published at Essence Medical Cosmetic Clinic Blog here