Getting started with aesthetic treatments
Aesthetic treatments are non-surgical procedures to enhance one's appearance, including reducing the visible signs of aging and rejuvenating and refreshing the skin. Modern society has become very accustomed to aesthetic treatments because many of us enjoy the idea of getting our desired look without going under the knife. The popularity of plastic surgery was high in the past. Not only was it expensive, but the recovery time was also longer. On the contrary, minimally or non-invasive procedures often result in minimal, if not no, downtime - in some cases, procedures can be performed over lunch or on the way home!
Among the top aesthetic procedures are Botox, fillers, body sculpting, skin tightening, micro-needling, and other medical facial procedures. As compared to their surgical alternatives, these treatments are generally less expensive.
With new treatments and products being developed all the time, the range of options to help you look your best is exciting, and can sometimes veer into confusion. Moreover, slick marketing or sales personnel might make you think you need something that is not your best option. How can you ensure that you get the best results and experience? Let’s go through it step-by-step.
1. Get a professional consultation at a reputable clinic
Whether you see a general doctor, dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or high-end aesthetician, be sure to find a qualified professional whose credentials and experience you can trust. Read reviews thoroughly and websites to check staff qualifications and the overall client experience.
2. Be clear about what you want from the product/ treatment
Be specific about what you want to improve and your top aesthetic priority and go from there. This will not only help your adviser know if the products/ treatments they offer can achieve your desired result in the first place, but it can also help you to stay focused on the variety of treatment options. It’s much easier to have this internal conversation before you act on deciding and spending your money on treatments.
3. Manage expectations and prepare yourself mentally
It may end up that perhaps you need something else entirely, or sometimes the treatment is contraindicated for you, or the results we expect are not really doable despite what we see in the media. (Remember, even supermodels wear make-up and the pictures are heavily edited!)
Cosmeceuticals and non-surgical treatments are not plastic surgery so it’s important to be realistic about typical effects. The treatment also needs to fit in with your life and budget. For example, do you want to be on strong prescription retinoids for 1+ years, or would you prefer milder home-use retinol that you use on an ongoing basis? Would you prefer the occasional laser facial rejuvenation, or are you ok with something with more downtime if the results are better?
4. Communicate adequately with your service provider
In your consultation, remember to communicate the following points:
the aesthetic issue, location, and severity;
how you would like the problem area to be different;
any vitamins, medications, alternative medicines, homeopathic and herbal remedies you have been taking in the last 6 months;
the product/treatment option(s) you may have heard about if any;
available treatment options;
for each option:
whether it’s suitable for you;
the benefits;
the downsides/ side-effects and how they can be handled;
downtime (if any);
frequency/duration of treatment;
a description of the actual treatment (or instructions for home-use products);
typical results (ask to see photos), and;
the pricing.
If you feel a provider is trying to upsell you to a bigger service item, or a package, or multiple items, or if they want to sell you something for an “aesthetic concern” that doesn’t even bother you, this is a red flag that they are probably more focused on hitting sales goals instead of helping customer fix their specific issue. Referring to our earlier point, working with a highly regarded professional can minimize the likelihood of falling victim to a sales trap.
5. Before coming in for the treatment
Once you have chosen a course of in-clinic treatments, you may need to be mindful of a few points before each treatment session. Of course, it really depends on what technology is being used, but some common do’s and don’ts are as follows:
Avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before your session. It is dehydrating and can thin your blood, making it more likely you’ll experience swelling and bruising afterward.
Avoid damaging the skin 48 - 72 hours before your treatment. This means you may need to stop using topical treatments (like retinol or retinoids) and make sure you avoid UV exposure, sunbeds, and products like fake tan, peels, some exfoliants, and so on.
Despite the fact that treatments are non-intrusive, they can still stimulate the body and skin. Keeping yourself hydrated beforehand by drinking plenty of water and getting sufficient sleep the night before is definitely a good idea.
As the world reopened after the pandemic, the industry is experiencing a lot of pent-up demand despite a small drop in demand in 2021. In addition to many women who have had experience with aesthetic treatments, more are considering them. We hope this guide will assist you in navigating the vast possibilities of aesthetic treatments. Last but not least, be patient and take your time. Aesthetic treatments are not a one-time fix for all beauty problems. It is possible that your skin's needs change as time goes by and the treatments you need might change as well. A healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, minimal stress, and the use of effective skincare products are also crucial to looking our best.