Ask the Ugly Questions: Treatment Research and Patient Advocacy
As someone who has experience as both a clinician and a patient, I possess unique insights into the experience of people seeking cosmetic medical treatments. It can be a daunting pursuit – sometimes even embarrassing – to research a care provider, book a consultation, and muster the courage to sit in a bright office detailing and exposing your needs to a professional in a lab coat.
I’ve been the patient. And I’ve been the professional in the lab coat
Based on my experiences on either side of the desk, the most important advice I can give to someone considering any treatment is to ask questions. All of the questions. The ugly questions. The questions you think you are expected to already know the answers to. The questions you kind of don’t want to ask and are thinking of Googling when you get home. Ask every question. And then ask some more.
Patient advocacy and empowerment is one of the most important parts of my job and your experience. I’ve not held back with this post. It may seem long but read it in its entirety. The information here is vital to your wellbeing.
A key part of any responsible care provider’s role is patient advocacy. Patient advocacy is the act of empowering patients by arming them with the confidence to be curious, critical, and fully informed.
Don’t simply rely on before and after photos. Delve deeper. Strive to be entirely aware of all the details pertaining to the treatment’s you have seen. This is your body and wellbeing we’re talking about.
How a practitioner responds to your questions, will speak volumes about them, revealing their ethics and transparency. Seek out someone who is forthcoming and transparent. Beware the practitioner who dances around a direct answer.
Seek a practitioner who understands you, who asks questions about your motivations and goals beyond the superficial assumptions often attached to cosmetic medicine. Your practitioner should be someone who educates you, offers options, empowers and educates even about side effects, possible complications, degrees of trauma, downtime. A full-scope practitioner who demonstrates that they prioritize you over their bottom-line.
If after your initial consultation you have more questions, ask to speak with the practitioner again. The one who has your best interest in mind will always have or make the time.
If you are not comfortable asking the questions, or aren’t confident you can retain the info, bring a support person who is on board with your decision to advocate in your best interest and clear away some of the intimidation that may come with a consultation. Medicine can be intimidating. Break that stigma. Bring a buddy.
Treatment research and preparation is vital for any procedure, from in-patient procedures like BOTOX or Belkyra to involved plastic surgeries. Practitioners and patients must educate and empower themselves to raise the standard and ensure the best possible outcomes
Write a list of questions, ask every single one, record the answers, and don’t settle for an unsatisfactory answer. Here are a few I encourage you to start with:
How long has the care provider been performing the specific treatment?
What procedures do they perform regularly?
How often do they perform this particular treatment or procedure?
What education do they have? What qualifications set them apart? How many years have they been practicing?
Ask your care provider how they stay current in their field? Do they attend ongoing education?
Registered Nurses (RN) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) require a supervising Medical Director. If dealing with these professionals, ask who their Medical Director is, where their office is located, and details about their credentials, education and career.
If you are shown before and after photos, ensure they are the work of the medical professional who will perform your procedure, not just stock or ‘borrowed’ images.
Ask what products they use and why. Ask what products they recommend for you specifically and why. Ask what products you will be receiving for treatment.
Ask what steps they take to reduce risk and prevent complications. Ask also about their aseptic technique.
Scary though it may be to hear, ask about worst case scenarios. What can go wrong with the procedure? What is their protocol to help manage complications? From cosmetic to medical outcomes, do not leave a consultation without full knowledge of the risk and possible complications.
Use these as a starting point. Through your research and conversations, add new questions. You will never regret being fully informed.
- Em