SHARES

Aesthetic treatments such as laser surgery, injectable treatments vary in safety and reliability. They are safe and effective therapies for numerous medically-necessary and elective cosmetic procedures.
However, before undergoing a treatment such as laser procedure, it is recommended that individuals considering aesthetic treatment keep these safety tips in mind:
- Find out who will be administering the treatment – If the procedure is not being performed by a physician, make sure that a supervising physician is present on-site and readily available to address any problems that might arise. Be sure to check the certification of the person performing the procedure.
- Ask questions – What are the risks? What is the cost? How long is the recuperation period? What post-treatment care will be required? Who will be performing the procedure and what are that person’s credentials and experience?
- Discuss your medical history with your physician – Be sure to mention any pre-existing medical conditions, previous medical or cosmetic procedures, and current medications including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements, history of scarring, history of infections like herpes.
- If undergoing laser surgery, ask if this laser is right for your skin type – Has this laser been approved for your skin type and hair colour and for use on the area of the body for which you are seeking treatment?
- Request a patch test – If you have sensitive skin, ask your physician to perform a test spot. It will be much easier to treat a complication on a small patch of skin than a larger area.
- Manage expectations – Be sure to discuss with your physician what results can reasonably be expected. Will your condition improve after one treatment or will you require multiple treatments for optimal results?
- Let your physician know in advance if you have a history of scarring or herpes – Both can affect treatment outcomes.
- If you experience intense pain or unexpected side effects following a procedure, don’t delay, call your physician immediately. Don’t wait to see if it will go away.
- Check if the products used are FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved which indicates a good safety track record.
- Check that the manufacturer of a specific product is someone with a good reputation for quality in aesthetics.
It is important to note that any latest aesthetic product or treatment may not actually be the safest. Clearance by the FDA or any authority (depending on the country) is a good indicator of safety and reliability because it means that the product has gone through rigorous testing over time and is manufactured to the highest standards.
Before you decide on a permanent look, step back and think because temporary change is better – it might be tempting to choose the products that offer permanent results, but what might look good in your 30s could look a bit strange in your 50s. Remember your face changes its shape as you age.
Sources:

by Hridya
A biochemist by education who could never put what she studied to good use, finally found GetDoc as a medium to do what she loved - bring information to people using a forum that is dedicated to all things medical. View all articles by Hridya.