Year on year non-surgical aesthetics treatments are becoming more popular. As demand grows, so do the number of aesthetic practitioners. With so much choice it can be difficult to decide which practitioner to choose.
So when considering who to book with, what should you base your decision on? Price? Location? Training and experience? Availability of appointments? The practitioner’s background? Registration of an aesthetic regulatory body? Proof of cosmetic insurance? Client testimonials? Best before and afters photos?
The truth is that all of these variables are important but some are more important than others. It’s your face and your body so you have to get it right. Being able book an appointment for the next day or have treatment for unbelievably low prices sounds great but the practitioners background, experience plus appropriate registration and cosmetic insurance that matter most.
Nurses, Doctors and Dentists working in the aesthetics industry in Scotland require registration with Health Care Improvement Scotland (HCIS). HCIS regulate the practitioner, their services and their premises through inspections and annual reporting. This is also required to obtain cosmetic insurance. Practitioners are insured for each individual treatment that they perform and covered for public liability. These both come at a cost to aesthetic practitioners but are mandatory to work in aesthetics in Scotland and essential at maintaining aesthetic standards.
Currently non healthcare professionals that work in aesthetics do not require such registration so a beautician that has completed a foundation Botox® and fillers course can start offering these treatments straight away without the scrutiny of a regulatory body, review of their service and in a salon that has never been inspected for it’s suitability. This can be why beauticians can offer treatments at very low prices.
Another important thing to consider is how your practitioner will deal with treatment complications when they arise. Complications come with the territory and can occur to practitioners of all backgrounds but non-healthcare practitioners tend to experience more complications than average, down to their lack of knowledge of anatomy and inexperience at dealing with emergencies.
On the other hand, healthcare professionals and in particular doctors, have a wealth of experience of dealing with allergic reactions, bleeding, bruising and pain management plus a comprehensive background in anatomy and physiology.
So when you’re considering an aesthetic treatment consider all of these variables but always consider the practitioners background and check HCIS website for registration and that they have cosmetic insurance. My HCIS and insurance certificates can be found on my about page.