Aesthetics Practice

Hi everyone and welcome to another of my BLOGS I am aware that I have highlighted some of the issues and problems encountered by some clients following their chosen Aesthetic Treatments, but I am very conscious that news of “blotched” or severe reactions to treatment are still hitting the headlines and wanted to address a particular aspect of the last 2 cases that I have seen reported.

I have covered this particular aspect before but of course not everyone reads my BLOGS but even considering this if they follow basic principles and guidelines then the issues would not necessarily arise, if at all. So, what are my concerns?

In the cases reported it appears (at least from the reports provided and information that has been provided) that in both instances the clients concerned were mostly responsible, by their actions, or by omission in causing the problems to arise – essentially the treatments were not successful, or they suffered from severe reactions. Whereas I accept this can happen and it may down a failing on the part of a salon or clinic, in these cases the clients made a glaring error. That is they failed to inform the practitioner(s), therapists of circumstances that would have prevented the treatment, procedure actually taking place (it would have been postponed or not permitted at all).  Salons and clinics have a Practice Guide that ensures that all employees follow a particular set of instructions on how to proceed with a clients’ request.

This covers not just the treatment itself but other aspects involving the client and the information supplied. Firstly a clients’ information is strictly confidential, this includes name address and contact details, if there is a complaint then a salon or clinic does not share the aforementioned information (Data Protection Act) and also it prevents them from commenting on an individual case (this also applies because of possible litigation – which can be either way from the client taking action or the salon owner taking action if they consider that a complaint is unjustified and is defamatory in terms of future business.

Safeguards have to be in place regarding the clients’ health and well-being, which includes the Consultation process, which is there to record medical conditions, medication that may inhibit or prevent treatment being provided. The salon or clinic has a duty of care to ensure that this takes place and of course also includes explaining the treatment, expected results and any contraindications (those are conditions that a client must advise the practitioner of as there are a number of conditions which will in effect stop a client having a particular treatment). A practitioner will check these, and the client must be completely honest, or they may place themselves at risk.

In the cases cited here it would appear that the information about existing conditions or about activities (such as tanning beds, sunbed treatment) was not provided and they would (or should have signed) to indicate that their information is correct and up to date. Failure in this one aspect removes the liability from the salon or clinic and falls upon the client due to them providing inaccurate information. I understand that in one case a different practitioner, therapist completed the procedure as their regular practitioner had moved away, however their clients’ records remain and these would have been available and checked (again this should be standard practice).

Of course, as suggested I can only comment on what appear to have happened as the individual cases cannot be reported with full disclosure. On the surface as I state above is what appears to have happened. My point here is not to allocate responsibility on either party involved in these separate cases but rather to highlight the point of stating the client must make all relevant information available prior to treatment to ensure that they do suffer any adverse or severe reaction when this could be prevented. Although of course the client may genuinely have felt that they had provided sufficient and up to date information prior to the treatment and may simply have overlooked what they consider a minor detail but even this may cause complications to arise. For example some repeat treatments state that following treatment you should leave a period of 3 weeks and avoid sun beds or saunas before the next treatment if less than that occurs then a risk factor enters the equation and dates and times may be incorrectly remembered and this can lead to misunderstanding and confusion (the client should keep a record of any activity and date just to make sure they meet the recommended criteria for treatment).

I am sure we all someone who has purchased hair dyes and these state test before using (patch test) but consumers overlook or ignore this advice and proceed anyway with results that of course do not match their expectations because it goes wrong! In these cases, it usually involves incorrect colour change and no physical harm (just a persons’ pride is hurt) but the point remains the same ignoring the advice given can lead to problems and these can be painful.

Essentially, a prospective or particularly in the case of a regular client always follow the guidelines and advice. Make sure (if a new client) that you receive a proper consultation, this may take a little time and you will have to respond to specific questions relating to any medical conditions or medication that you are taking. This may seem intrusive and rather personal but it is there to protect the client from potential harm so it should be thought of as part of the treatment process. In the case of being a regular client make sure that your records are kept up to date. Our health does change, and a client may need a new prescribed medication or just been diagnosed with a new medical condition, advise the practitioner who if required can ask questions to ensure that a treatment is safe.

These reports may discourage individuals seeking any Aesthetic treatment but as indicated if you follow simple guidelines then everything should proceed without any cause for alarm. Just another point I make in other BLOGS try to find a well-established salon or clinic that is recommended (by friends or family) then you can have peace of mind knowing that they will be a good practice and you have seen the results.

I can only say in closing that I hope we read less of these issues in the future and more positive revues and reports are forthcoming. Aesthetic Beauty treatments are there to help a client feel young again and have more confidence and ultimately to make clients feel happy! I trust that all of you have had good experiences and will continue to do so and that each experience leaves you with a spring in your step and receiving compliments on how you look following your treatment.

Now we are approaching (or already firmly in the throes of) winter it’s a good thing if we can treat ourselves to something that makes us feel good. Christmas is approaching and many of us are thinking about what to buy loved one’s, but we can always treat them (if appropriate) to a treatment (much like a spa day) or ourselves. Stay safe and well!

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