The medical aesthetic industry is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after career choices for medical professionals. Due to the rapid growth, new cosmetic injectors are popping up on every corner. Understandably, it can be difficult to know which aesthetic professional to choose. Here are 5 tips to help you avoid being “botched.”
Tip #1: Do NOT price shop! Cosmetic injectables are a luxury, not a necessity.
I am the first person to use a coupon or search for the best deal in town…on toilet paper! Price shopping for aesthetic procedures can leave you with undesirable results and high out of pocket expenses to fix “botched” work. As the aesthetic field becomes more mainstream, there has been an increase in the number of treatments performed without the proper training, qualifications, or through the use of counterfeit products. Beware of deals that are too good to be true, they probably are!
Tip #2: Research! Not the encyclopedia.
I love Instagram! IG, as the millennials refer to it, has been my main referral source since I began practicing 5 years ago. Instagram allows me to build an up to date, detailed portfolio highlighting pictures and videos of various procedures with thorough descriptions of my techniques and product choices. I find it helps the consumer research my work before even making the call to schedule a consultation. 90% of my business is generated through my portfolio on Instagram. Check it out @beauty_rn_jc
Don’t forget to compare, it may be helpful to look at a few different injectors work before making your final decision. Often, injectors will have their work on several social media outlets. So, carry out a quick search on Instagram and other social media sites to see what injector best suits your desired results.
Tip #3: Schedule a consultation.
After you have done some research, it’s time to schedule a consultation. A consultation is an excellent way of building a rapport with your injector. During the consultation, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Here are a few important questions to ask during the initial consultation.
- “Can you explain the procedure and product you are using?”
- “Can you explain the dosage or amount of product needed?”
- “What can I expect to look like after treatment?”
- If the injections are suspiciously affordable: “How are you able to offer such discounted prices?”
- “What is your title and specialty?” i.e. Nurse, Doctor, Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist
Tip #4: Credentials & Continued Education
There is no doubt that education is one of the most critical ingredients for continued growth and success in any industry. In a world of ever-changing trends and technology, every qualified professional must ensure they are at the cutting edge, simply to ensure survival.
In addition to obtaining a medical license, continuing education is equally as important. Due to the current lackadaisical regulations in the medical aesthetic industry, obtaining continuing education certificates can be quite difficult, expensive, and often overlooked. I have traveled to Norway, Florida, California, NYC, DC, and Maryland to learn from some of the best nurse injectors, dermatologists, and facial plastic surgeons in the world. Ask your injector what kind of training they have had. It could make all the difference in the outcome of your treatment.
Tip #5: Feel 100% confident in your decision!
I’m big on vibes! If you do not get a good vibe from the initial consultation, walk away! Do not allow anyone to treat you if you are not 100% confident in their skill as a medical aesthetic provider. If your provider cannot answer some of key questions during your consultation and educate you about what and why a product is being used, don’t do it. There are plenty of injectors out there, and it’s worth taking your time to find someone who is the right fit for your needs.
Ultimately, selecting any medical professional should be a personal and well-researched decision. Credentials, education, cost, and a strong portfolio are factors that should be considered when choosing a provider for cosmetic injections. As I always say, “An educated patient – is a happy patient.”
