15 Reasons Why You Should Choose a Medic for your Aesthetics Treatments
In the UK, aesthetic treatments (including anti-wrinkle injections and fillers) can be done by absolutely anyone. The increase in demand and these treatments becoming more normal has seen an influx of non-medics doing training, and a recent article by Glowday has highlighted examples such as a bank employee becoming an aesthetic injector after a weekend course and a handyman who converted his van to use as a mobile clinic. Undertrained injectors using unlicensed products in inappropriate settings is a recipe for disaster, and there are no laws to stop this from happening. This is why careful research and choosing a medic as your aesthetic professional is, in our opinion, essential.
[5 minute read]
Here are our top 15 reasons why you should choose a medic:
Safety in an unregulated industry
In the UK, absolutely anyone can do a one-day course and start injecting. Yes really. Seeing a medical professional means seeing a practitioner who takes their profession seriously and comes from a background of caring for and treating patients. Additionally, some of us also choose to voluntarily register with aesthetics regulatory bodies such as Save Face - The UK's No.1 Government-Approved Register for Medical Aesthetic Treatments, providing an extra level of assurance, trust, and confidence.
Background in Medical Procedures
Not only do medics have a sound understanding of cross-infection control – it is inbuilt into everything we do and forms part of the core continued professional development which means this knowledge is refreshed at regular intervals. Medics also have comprehensive knowledge in anatomy and physiology, which is essential for knowing how treatments will work in harmony with patients existing features.
Training
Many of the most reputable training companies don’t train non-medics. Seeing a medic for your facial aesthetics treatment means they have access to the most prestigious and comprehensive training
Managing Complications
Not only are medics less likely to experience complications, but they are trained to recognise any issues early so they can be dealt with swiftly and safely. Training courses aimed at medics nearly always include thorough training on the early identification and management of any potential complications
Management of Medical Emergencies
Medics quite often have first-hand experience in managing medical emergencies and renew their knowledge annually with their continued professional development. Most medics can have emergencies drugs in their practice that non-medics aren’t able to hold.
The difference between Attendance and Competence
Many training courses aimed at non-medics will issue a certificate of attendance simply stating the individual was present for the course. Medics are used to evaluating their own performance and are trained to recognise their own limitations and work within their competence.
The Culture of Continued Learning
Not only do medics need to complete minimum requirements of continued professional development each year to maintain their professional registration, there is also the culture and expectation of continued learning within the medical field.
Accountability
Medics are regulated and held accountable by their regulatory body. This means medics feel they have a duty of care towards their patients.
Informed Consent
Understanding how each treatment will work and the expected outcome for each individual patient allows for a comprehensive consultation and informed consent process. Thorough anatomical knowledge combined with in-depth product knowledge means you’ll know what to expect when you attend for your treatment with a medic.
Predictable Outcomes
The comprehensive training process undertaken by medics means they will regularly achieve the desired predictable outcomes for each treatment they perform
Patient and Treatment Selection
Medics, generally speaking, will put their patient’s wellbeing first and profits second. As a result they may decline to provide a requested treatment, as the majority of medics aren’t looking to make a quick buck from a treatment that may not be beneficial for the patient in the long term.
Long Term Management of Results
Ultimately, medical facial aesthetics is an artform. Medics are looking not only to care for you now, but to help you look and feel your best in the long term.
Insured
Many reputable insurance companies don’t insure non-medics, and require a minimum standard of training for the medics they do insure.
Products
Many drug and medical device companies will only train medics to administer their products, and many pharmacies will not sell products directly to non-medics. Buying from reputable pharmacies is the only way to ensure the authenticity and quality of products.
Evidence-Based Practice
Medical injectors are accustomed to critically appraising literature and ensuring they are using the most up to date techniques and the safest products, putting patient safety at the forefront.
Q&A
What is considered a ‘Medic’?
Medics are doctors, dentists and nurses who are registered with their professional regulatory body including the GMC, GDC or NMC.
What is the difference between a medic and a healthcare professional?
The term ‘medic’ refers to doctors, dentists and nurses; whereas the term ‘healthcare professional’ encompasses all professionals that work in healthcare which includes pharmacists, paramedics, dental hygienists, dental nurses, physiotherapists and operating department practitioners.
How do I know if my practitioner is a medic or not?
A medical practitioner will be registered with their regulatory body (GMC, GDC or NMC) and will be happy to tell you about their primary qualification and their registration.
What’s the difference between being a medic and being medically trained?
Many ‘advanced practitioners’ will advertise that they are ‘medically trained’ or ‘trained by medics’ but refers to a medical professional being present for or being involved in their training in some way. This is different to the practitioner themselves being a medic.
