Patient advisory about medispas
British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons Warn: Non-Surgical Does Not Mean Non-Medical!
12 May 2007 (Last updated: 26 Mar 2019 13:15)
London, UK - 12 May, 2007 - The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), the not-for-profit organisation established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit, today issued a public warning about 'medi-spas': facilities that traditionally offer beauty treatments such as facials, massages and hair removal and which now include pharmaceutical injections and other medical procedures. Medi-spas are proliferating across the country and may be found in such locations as spas, salons and even retail outlets such as department stores. The BAAPS warns that there are no national standards, or even a recognised definition of what constitutes a 'medi-spa'.
According to Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President;
"With the recent announcement from the Department of Health that the aesthetics industry should 'self-regulate', particularly in regards to injectables, it is even more important that people make informed, safe choices for their cosmetic treatments. The public should seek environments under the care of a properly qualified physician rather than at a shop or a hair salon: non-surgical does not mean non-medical!"
He adds;
"Injectables, peels and lasers should all be performed by a properly trained clinician, a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist. It is essential that people do their homework as these treatments can affect not only their appearance but health and safety as well. The BAAPS website provides contact details for specialists around the UK."
As advocates for patient safety and healthy outcomes, the BAAPS have developed a broad safety 'checklist' for people considering non-surgical procedures:
Location: is the treatment taking place in a surgeon's office? While problems are infrequent, medical personnel should be at hand. These procedures should never be performed in someone's home, hotel room, or at a party
What are the qualifications of the team performing the procedures?
How effective are the injectables and are they the right treatment for you? How long will the effects last? Make sure you are fully informed of possible benefits/side effects and risks
Medical care of any kind is not a commodity. Be sure you have based your decision on the credentials and experience of the practitioner, not on price
What if you're unhappy with the result? A qualified practitioner can provide you with appropriate revisional or after-care
According to Douglas McGeorge;
"Physicians with a range of specialties designating themselves as 'cosmetic doctors' can lack the comprehensive training needed for administering drugs and treatments to the deeper levels of skin - as well as lack the experience necessary to achieve optimal results or manage potential complications. It's in your best interest to see someone who specialises in plastic surgery or dermatologic care when seeking medical (even if they're non-surgical) procedures."
ENDS
The BAAPS (www.baaps.org.uk), based at the Royal College of Surgeons, is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. Members undergo thorough background screening before they can join. Information about specific procedures and surgeons’ contact details can be found on the website, or by contacting their office at 020 7430 1840. Further materials can be posted to members of the public seeking specialised information. BAAPS is also on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BAAPSMedia and Facebook: www.facebook.com/BritishAssociationofAestheticPlasticSurgeons
For all media enquiries, please contact pr@baaps.org.uk
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