Whether it was staring at ourselves over zoom or two years of added stress, it seems the pandemic has created a boom in ‘tweakments’. But with research* showing a quarter of us would now consider an aesthetic procedure to give ourselves a beauty boost, one leading Midlands surgeon is urging people to be cautious before making their choice in a hurry.
Consultant Ophthalmic Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgeon Dr Julia Sen warns that as more and more of us are interested in having treatments – specifically fillers and Botox – we may be tempted to go for cheaper options and not do our homework before taking the plunge.
“The Beautified Britain Index: The Skin Report* shows that more than six million people in the UK believe COVID-19-related stress has caused them to visibly age by at least five years, so it’s no surprise that many of us are looking for quick fixes,” explains Dr Sen, who is also Director of the Midlands Aesthetic Clinic at BHI Parkside in Bromsgrove. “However, with a never-ending list of procedures now available, it’s vital you don’t panic-book something you may come to regret in the long run.
“Non-surgical cosmetic aesthetics have improved over the last few years, both in terms of safety and efficacy. Having said that, choosing the right one for you can be confusing and I can’t stress enough, how important it is to do your homework and find a clinician you completely trust.”
Dr Sen says that because Christmas and the New Year can be a stretch for our budgets, it may be tempting to choose a procedure because of the low price point. However, she advises that those offering cheap treatments could be under-trained and unregulated, and you may be left disappointed with the outcome.
“Promises of amazing results can sound very appealing, but it is important that you remember these are medical procedures and as such can have associated side effects and complications. You owe it to yourself to be well informed so make sure you do your research by visiting clinic websites and reading through patient testimonials.”
Dr Sen also recommends having a face-to-face consultation with your clinician beforehand to ensure you fully understand what the treatment entails and discuss follow-up care.
“I strongly advise you look for a clinic with highly experienced staff, after all your safety is literally in their hands. This means you will have a proper assessment to see what is suitable for you, you can discuss your medical history and lifestyle, and find out if there are any side effects that need to be taken into account. It is also important that your expectations are managed so you know what to expect.
“Don’t feel pressured into having a treatment done; you will need time to consider your options and decide whether it is something you are still happy to go ahead with and that you feel confident in your decision.”
