Thinking about getting an aesthetic procedure? Do this first!
Apr 08, 2024
Do you ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of aesthetic procedures and products? You're not alone! It seems like every time I turn around or attend a meeting, there's a new device or miracle product on the market! It's hard to figure out what really works and what's just hype. And you know what? I see it all the time with my patients—they're eager to enhance their appearance, but they're confused by all the choices. So let's break it down!
It's important when considering cosmetic procedures to know these 3 things:
1) What am I looking to improve?
2) Who is performing this treatment?
3) What kind of post-operative care is required?
If you feel like your skin needs a little 'pick-me-up,' be sure to check in with your dermatologist! They can assess your skin and help you figure out the next best steps, as well as the long-term plan.
When I meet a new cosmetic patient, I always hand them a mirror and have a discussion about what they'd like to change about their appearance. Are wrinkles bothering them? Perhaps it's uneven skin tone or that frustrating sagging skin. Everyone's concerns are unique and deserve personalized attention.
If they don't already have a good skincare routine, we start there. It's not complicated, though! Stick with a gentle cleanser, some key actives like vitamin A and C, and of course sunscreen and moisturizers! But here's the thing: if you're not willing to stick to a good skincare routine at home, most in-office treatments won't be worth your time or money. So, don't skip this step—it's really important for getting the results you want.
Once we have an at-home plan, we can then discuss the next best steps for in-office procedures. I typically like to achieve an even, radiant complexion first, as I find this creates a beautiful canvas for everything else. And when your skin glows, everything else looks better anyway! This might involve things like microneedling, a lighter chemical peel for a refresh, or intense pulse light or broadband-based light devices. For more intense sun damage, a CO2 laser or medium depth peel may be necessary.
If you're new to the world of aesthetic treatments, it's best to dip your toes in gently at first. Start with something less intense, like a lighter peel or laser treatment. Another popular option for beginners is neuromodulators like Xeomin or Botox. The beauty of these treatments? They give you a little refresh, soften lines, and the best part is, it's temporary—making it the perfect first treatment for many!
Make sure to talk to whoever is performing your treatment to ensure that they are truly skilled and trained in the procedure. Just because they have a certain device doesn't automatically mean it's the best fit for you, so don't settle for 'cookie-cutter' care. Feel free to inquire about their credentials, the number of procedures they've performed, and ask about any potential complications.
Every procedure, whether it's a simple cosmetic treatment or a more complex surgical intervention, comes with its own set of risks. These risks can range from minor inconveniences like bruising and swelling, to more serious complications such as scarring, skin discoloration, or even life-threatening outcomes like necrosis or death in rare cases. Therefore, no procedure is entirely risk-free. But a skilled and highly trained professional can minimize these risks by selecting the most appropriate treatment and device settings. Another key reason to choose a skilled dermatologist or plastic surgeon is that they are the most qualified to handle serious complications when they occur. I find that people often research things like lightbulbs more thoroughly than they do their cosmetic provider, so be sure to do your research!
Lastly, make sure you have a good understanding of post-procedure care. It's common to experience downtime after a procedure due to bruising, swelling, or other effects. Following the post-procedure care instructions is really important for the success of your treatment and the money you've invested. And always remember to protect your skin from the sun! This is the most impactful 'procedure' you can do for healthy skin at all ages! And it will stave off many of the signs of aging that occur.
Don’t miss this week's podcast episode featuring Dr. Heather Rogers, where we cover important questions to ask before cosmetic treatment, the best devices for various skin issues, and tips for reducing post-procedure complications!
A new podcast episode drops every Monday!
For more great skin care tips, subscribe to The Skin Real Podcast.
Find Dr. Rogers here:
https://www.instagram.com/drheatherrogers/
