How to choose the best Aesthetic Doctor near you
06/09/24
I've had 28 years in clinical practice as a medical doctor which included General Practice, Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine. I can't serve everyone from the UK but I'd like to give you advice on how you choose the right aesthetic injector for you:
Does their aesthetic match yours?
For example, if you are pursuing a look that exudes a natural elegance, then choose a doctor who portrays that too.
Does their face look natural?
If they look natural, then chances are, you will get a natural result. However, if they don't look natural then they may have what is called "Perception drift". This means they lose sight of what normal faces look like. If your injector looks a bit odd, it is my opinion that it is not a good thing for you as a patient. However, I believe there are some people who like the look of these "fashionable faces". If this type of look is your preference, you will be disappointed with my services.
Do they have lots of before and after photos of their treatment results?
Ask to see the before and after photos of their best aesthetic results. Most patients consent to their photos being shared in clinic as opposed to online, so you should get to see lots of examples of your particular doctor’s results.
Are they qualified for their job as an aesthetic doctor?
A shoulder orthopaedic surgeon may be excellent at that job, but do they have an aesthetic eye and understanding of the skin? It's my opinion that an aesthetic doctor should have General Practice or Dermatology training. This is because GPs are skilled at assessing psychological health, social well-being and are very skilled at screening for physical illness (including skin conditions). A dermatologist has a good knowledge of skin and also has some general medical training.
Do they stock emergency prescription only medication (POM)?
In the UK only medical doctors and dentists are licensed to hold POM as stock. Other medical professionals need to order these from a chemist with a patient name attached. This means that prescription drug can only be administered to that particular patient. Therefor you need to visit a second time (when your prescription has arrived) before you can be treated. Doctors and Dentists can treat you immediately with the prescription medication they are licensed to hold in stock.
How do I know what treatments I need?
Ok, if you have a good understanding of all the aesthetic tools out there, have personal experience of having tried them or are an aesthetic doctor yourself then it’s reasonable to assume you may know a bit about what treatments are likely to help you. But some people get it wrong and think they need a specific treatment when in fact they would have a better outcome with something different. This is when a good aesthetic consultation would be very helpful for you.
When you meet an aesthetic injector for the first time, you don’t know that particular doctor’s outcomes. It is common for me to hear “I don’t like botox” or “I don’t like the filler look”. Every tool creates different outcomes but it depends on the injector using them. For example: a toddler can be given the same canvas, paints and brushes as a professional artist, but the final result will be dramatically different. People are often amazed by the results that can be achieved with the same product they had elsewhere.
It’s also possible that counterfeit products bought from non-regulated sources are injected. These WILL NOT create the same outcomes as the legitimate products. Injectors who abide by stringent professional codes of conduct are more likely to source legitimate products. Medical professional injectors will lose their professional licence if they are found to be using illegitimate products on patients. These rules do not apply to those who are not medical professionals.
This is why it is important to have several consultations before deciding on the best treatment plan for you.
Why do I need a consulation?
Your first consultation should be an educational experience.
As part of my first medical consultation with you, I ask you to tell me why you have come, assess your aesthetic desires, examine your skin and soft tissue, take detailed photographs, analyse them with you, create a bespoke treatment plan and discuss the specifics of the proposed treatments including the benefits but also the important limitations, possible complications and procedural fees. I have an extensive portfolio of innovative and trusted treatments that give the best possible results. I don’t rely on you knowing what treatment you need but will discuss with you the particulars of aesthetic treatments and what ones are the most likely to give you the results you were hoping for.
This removes costly mistakes on your part and is why the first consultation lasts an hour.
For those who ask for a treatment costs prior to a consultation, it really is impossible to guess this without a detailed assessment of the concern you have and the result that is desired. It’s a bit like asking a builder how much is a house extension, it depends on the existing house and your aspirations for the end result.
Ask about complication rates from their audits.
Every experienced doctor would welcome this question. If they have no filler complications then they are not doing enough treatments or they are not recognising the complications. Either way, you should pause for thought.
Are they a GMC registered doctor?
Every GMC registered doctor has an externally approved Appraiser who is another doctor who assesses them annually. The ethics and probity of every doctor are examined to protect patients from harm.
Does the doctor use facial ultrasound?
Personally, I won't have certain aesthetic injections without prior scanning of the area. Facial ultrasound has been used in UK clinics as a means of visualising vasculature prior to injection of filler (essentially jelly). If an artery is injected with filler, there are serious medical consequences such as skin necrosis. It is best to try a prevent this complication from the beginning. I use a diagnostic facial ultrasound in my aesthetic practice since April 2021 and I'm proud to be a vocal advocate for patient safety and regulation in aesthetic medicine.
Make sure you are within a reasonable travelling distance from the clinic to return ASAP, in case something has gone wrong.
No one likes to hear this, but things can go awry, even with very experienced and competent doctors. Ensure you are within a 3 hour drive from your doctor or stay locally for a couple of days after your procedure. This is so that you can be seen if a problem arises.
What you should know about having injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers, or having a thread-lift in the UK.
Unfortunately, aesthetics is unregulated. Any person can train for 4 hours in aesthetics, set up a training company, buy unregulated and not clinically tested fillers over the internet and inject your face. If you have consented to them injecting this then this act is perfectly legal. But as you can see, you are taking risks with your face. Hopefully regulation is coming. But in the mean-time do your research and BE SAFE. No one values a bargain when they are left with no results or awful aesthetic outcomes.
If you would like a consultation or treatment from me:
Book in for a consultation to see if a full facial rejuvenation is right for you. I serve patients mostly from North Wales and Cheshire as Dr K's Clinic is 1/2 way between Chester and Wrexham in a countryside setting with lovely gardens.
However, I also have UK wide and international patients (who stay locally for a couple of days after their treatment as per my advice- see above). I have clinical experience spanning over 28 years that includes general practice, aesthetics and dermatology. My clinic is award winning and considered one of the best aesthetic clinics in North Wales and Cheshire. I give honest, trustworthy and no obligation advice on what will deliver results. Click on the booking link at the top of this blog page or call my PA on 07711190079 to book a consultation.