Medical aesthetics expert, Dr Hala, explains why consultations, screenings and personalised treatment plans matter
Over recent years, and amid the rapid growth in demand for cosmetic interventions and aesthetic treatments, patient safety concerns have been regularly raised. This also follows proposals to tighten regulation across the non-surgical aesthetic sector, with the government introducing new measures to try to ‘crack down on cowboy cosmetic procedures.’
Dr Hala, founder of Dr Hala Medical Aesthetics, a family-run medical aesthetics clinic in Fulham, London, specialising in advanced non-surgical aesthetic and intimate health treatments, has encouraged prospective patients to carefully consider the accreditations and skills of any practitioner and to look beyond convenience when deciding where to go for cosmetic treatments.
Key Aspects Relevant to Patient Safety in the UK’s Aesthetics Sector
As non-surgical aesthetic treatments have become increasingly popular and accessible, clinics and independent practitioners have introduced convenient ways for patients to explore and book treatments. These can include:
- Online booking systems
- Same-day appointments
- Reduced-cost treatments and treatment packages
- Social media advertising and promotions
While these practices are commonplace across the aesthetics sector, the important consideration is whether patients receive an appropriate consultation before proceeding with treatment.
The challenge is that, where patients are undergoing treatment such as anti-wrinkle injections or fillers, they may find that service providers may not have the level of clinical training or experience needed to provide appropriate advice.
Overlooking patient safety can be a serious concern, with issues that can include disappointment when expectations for treatment outcomes are unrealistic, a lack of consultation to understand the patient’s priorities and aspirations, an inability to give informed consent, and no planning for potential complications or aftercare.
How Doctor-Led Aesthetics Treatments Prioritise Safety
Clinics like Dr Hala’s ensure that any recommendations are offered only after a comprehensive consultation. This process ensures professional practitioners can:
- Discuss expectations
- Review the patient’s medical history
- Assess any medications they might be taking
- Screen for allergies and intolerances
- Examine their skin quality
- Talk about whether a treatment is appropriate
In some cases, clinicians might recommend against a treatment altogether if this isn’t deemed safe for the individual, carries unacceptable risks, or simply isn’t necessary. This ethical approach ensures that patients who may be vulnerable or seeking excessive aesthetic interventions are supported, rather than procedures being performed on a sales basis.
Dr Hala comments that, ‘There is no aesthetic treatment that we’d suggest as a one-size-fits-all procedure, and even two patients interested in the exact same treatment might have differences in terms of the outcomes they’d like to achieve, their skin condition and medical history.
A detailed assessment of facial anatomy, for example, could influence the advice we provide, and it’s this guidance that separates doctor-led clinics from other providers. Rather than selling a service, we determine whether a treatment will be suitable, advise if there are risks involved, explain what the realistic results will be and, where appropriate, recommend an alternative.’
This is supported by NHS guidance, which states that anybody considering a cosmetic procedure should ensure they only go to a provider which offers consultations before undergoing treatment.
The health service also recommends consumers ask about providers’ qualifications and possible complications and avoid any procedure without an advance assessment or based solely on social media promotions.
About Dr Hala Medical Aesthetics
Dr Hala Medical Aesthetics is a leading family-owned and family-run London clinic specialising in advanced non-surgical aesthetic and intimate health treatments. Founded by renowned surgeons and aesthetics expert Dr Hala, the Fulham-based clinic combines medical expertise with innovative treatments to deliver safe, personalised care.
Treating every patient as though they are part of the family, the clinic is committed to providing an exceptional standard of care, compassion and support throughout every stage of the patient journey.
Digital Health Buzz!
Digital Health Buzz! aims to be the destination of choice when it comes to what’s happening in the digital health world. We are not about news and views, but informative articles and thoughts to apply in your business.
