The Empowered Patient
In the past, I’ve cited my experience with cosmetic medicine as one of empowerment. I’m in control. I define my own standard of beauty. Whatever that is or has been to me, aesthetic enhancements are one way I achieve it.
Everyone should feel empowered and comfortable in their choice to manifest the version of themselves they desire. We can celebrate our appearances. We can be in control.
But empowering patients begins well before a procedure occurs.
From the outset, it is the responsibility of practitioners and the right of patients to feel empowered in their choices, fully educated about their plan of action, and in control of their body.
The empowered patient dives deeper than before and after photos and Instagram success stories.
The empowered patient is curious and critical. They select providers who share such qualities.
Practitioners who have trained and continue to train, who understand anatomy, who are forthright about risks and complications. Practitioners who provide information, who have the tools, the resources, and the understanding to manage complications for and with patients.
The empowered patient doesn’t settle. Doesn’t accept vague answers. Doesn’t put their care in the hands of anyone they don’t completely trust.
The adage stands: buyer beware.
As a patient, ask more and better questions.
Here are a few to get you started:
1. How long has your practitioner specialized in the area in which you are seeking treatment? If this is an injector, ask how many years they’ve performed injections, not just how long they’ve worked in nursing; be injection-specific.
2. What procedures do they regularly perform? How often do they treat the thing you’re seeking?
3. What education and qualifications do they have?
4. How do they stay current in their field? Do they attend ongoing education? If the answer is yes – and in most cases it should be – ask for details.
5. A Registered Nurse (RN) or a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) requires a supervising physician. Who is their medical director? What is their educational background? Where are they located?
6. Ask for before and after photos. But not just stoke company photos. Ask to see photographs of your injector’s work.
7. Inquire about what products they use and why?
8. What products do they recommend for you and why?
9. What products will you be receiving for treatment?
10. What steps do they take to reduce and prevent complications? What aseptic techniques do they employ?
11. And though no one likes to think of this, ask what can go wrong with a procedure, from cosmetic and medical outcomes, and what is their plan/protocol to help manage those complications?
If you’re not comfortable asking these kinds of questions, or aren’t confident you can retain the info, bring a support person who is on board with your decision. Someone able to help dissipate the intimidation that may come with a consultation. It’s okay to bring a buddy.
How a practitioner responds to your questions, how they navigate a probing this conversation, will speak volumes about them, revealing their ethics and transparency.
Make certain you are heard, validated, and understood.
I am proud of the relationships I’ve built with my patients. It’s vital that my work empowers them. And it’s equally important that in providing this information, I empower you.
If you have more questions about procedures I offer, or if there’s any other way I can contribute to your feeling of empowerment as you navigate medical cosmetics, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
- Em