Aesthetics and Anti-Ageing – Ten Years Older; Ten Years Wiser

Well, as we mentioned in our last blog, Fresh Faced and a Fresh Start, it’s now TEN whole years since A L Medical Aesthetics began. A decade. A tenth of a century. An awful lot has happened in that time, not least in the field of aesthetics and anti-ageing treatments – and medicine. Once considered the preserve of supposed celebrities or the rich and famous, aesthetic treatments are now accessible and, largely, affordable. That said, when you come to clinic, we’ll still make you feel a million dollars and treat you as a VIP.

Ten Years of Better Aesthetics and Anti-Ageing Treatments

What else has changed, or improved? Well, once upon a time, anti-wrinkle injections and fillers seemed to follow a more-is-more philosophy. Pillow cheeks, trout pouts and fully frozen foreheads. Nowadays, it’s all about subtle tweaks. It’s not necessarily about staying – or looking – young, but about looking the best version of you – and that’s SUCH a confidence boost. Aesthetics and anti-ageing treatments are now an acceptable part of growing old gracefully.

Nor is there a one-size-fits-all approach anymore, which seemed to churn out countless ladies who all seemed to look alike. We all saw plenty of news articles and paparazzi shots of celebs who may have gone a little too far. But we’re not about shaming other ladies (or gents, plenty of fellas have a little help to look their best and keep their confidence) or aestheticians.

It’s also interesting to see how we have moved away from merely treating the problem. Now, we aim to identify and treat the cause. Perhaps patients attend requesting tear trough treatment but now we know that actually, more support to the lid/cheek junction and increased volume to the midface would be more effective, with no treatment to the tear trough at all.

Good Aesthetics and Anti-ageing Treatments; Better Outcomes

A GOOD treatment provider simply won’t over-treat or promise impossible outcomes. That would be a little like going to the hair salon with coarse, frizzy dark hair and expecting to leave with a shimmering platinum veil. It can’t be done. Perhaps you’d still insist on trying but to get even close would be a long, slow process. A reputable stylist would be very clear about that. And that it would also require incredible amounts of aftercare and maintenance.

Whether it’s anti-wrinkle injections, Profhilo, fillers, or any anti-ageing and skincare treatments, we’d always suggest you work with what you’ve got. Beautiful, infectious smile? Sparkly eyes? Glowing skin or incredible cheekbones? Focus on what you HAVE and build from there. That’s the sort of thing we’ll discuss at your consultation – and once more, a good practitioner won’t be scared to simply say ‘no’ to too much treatment, unnecessary treatment or treatment for all the wrong reasons. Or indeed, for an unrealistic outcome. AS we have many strings to our wellness bow, we could even suggest more suitable treatments or therapies.

Safe Hands to Save Face

Awareness of poor practice and the problems caused by unscrupulous and unqualified practitioners means, in the right hands, aesthetic treatments should be safer than ever. That’s not to say the problem is entirely solved – far from it – but at least now patients know what to ask, and what to look for. Just in case you’re still not sure, here are a few pointers:

• DO NOT allow an unqualified person to inject your face.
• Remember what you see on Social Media isn’t a reliable recommendation. Anyone can buy likes and followers or pay influencers. Do your homework.
• Ask about experience and qualifications.
• Request testimonials, ideally with before and after shots.
• Ask to see qualifications and insurances.
• Be aware of downtime, aftercare and potential problems – and what the practitioner would do about them.

When you book a consultation with us, you can ask ANYTHING. We want you to be happy and confident in your choice of treatment – and treatment provider. Any practitioner worth their salt will say the same. If they’re NOT happy to discuss everything and reassure – and show credentials – run a mile. The risk isn’t just about wasting your money. It’s literally about saving face. Saving your skin.

Your Face Deserves the Best

My qualifications, experience, expertise and protocols mean AL Medical Aesthetics and Wellness patients and clients are in the very safest safe hands. Over the past decade, my professional development – both in private practice and NHS-based – coupled with my dedication to the profession is good news for patients. And I’ll continue to strive to learn and develop. I only wish all other clinics could say the same. It’s both sad and shocking when a new patient comes to us for help after an unqualified, unsuitable, and uninsured practitioner has caused distress or even physical damage.

Despite all the progress made over the last ten years, all the new treatments and more subtle tweaks, it’s troubling – scary even – to realise that we’re barely any further forward in terms of regulation and legislation, despite the Keogh report in 2012 or the development of the JCCP (Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners) and Save Face  as well as 2013 Government recommendations regarding three important areas: high-quality care with safe products, skilled practitioners, and responsible providers; education to ensure people get accurate advice and that the vulnerable are protected; accessible redress and resolution in case things go wrong.

Ask and Be Answered

On the whole, though, we’ve come a long way in ten years and learnt a lot. Insofar as the public is concerned, the information IS there – please look at it. Please ask questions and don’t let anyone anywhere NEAR your face until they give the right answers. Don’t let just anyone mess with your face. It’s not like a botched hairdo. You can’t grow it out or colour mistakes over. Still not sure? Contact us. We’ll be more than happy to help.