Even Nonsurgical Spa Procedures Require Skill, Safety
Injectable cosmetic treatments have become extremely popular in recent years. This increase in popularity has led to an increase in availability and the proliferation of med spas. While these treatments are often referred to as non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments, each treatment is still a medical procedure that requires a sterile environment and an experienced injector, to not only ensure great results but a safe experience as well.
In response to the increasing demand for injectable treatments, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recently sent out a reminder about the safe use of injectable treatments to practitioners. This flyer is meant as a gentle reminder to the medical community that while minimally invasive, injectable treatments, such as Botox® and Juvederm, still need to be handled and administered as any other cosmetic treatment. When seeking an injectable cosmetic treatment, the following should be taken into account:
- CLEANLINESS: The first impression of a location can give indicators of how clean and sterile it may be. If a person finds the waiting area to be less than clean, it could be a warning sign to the care given in all of the location’s cleaning practices. If the practice cannot take the time to maintain their general areas, it is likely they cannot find the time to maintain their treatment areas as well.
- NEW PRODUCT: According to the CDC, single dose vials, regardless of size, should not be shared between more than one patient.
- ASK QUESTIONS: Although injectables are fairly safe and complications rare, it is important to know the practice’s emergency procedures in the event of an adverse reaction or complication. Your physician should be able to answer these questions quickly and to your satisfaction.
- BOARD CERTIFICATION: The best and easiest way to ensure your safety is to make sure that the supervising doctor is a board-certified plastic surgeon. In order to achieve this status, plastic surgeons have to undergo rigorous screening process and prove their commitment to excellence and safety to become board-certified.
Keeping these simple steps in mind can ensure a safe injectable treatment.