Cautions and Precautions prior to Beauty Treatments

Often times cosmetic treatments are minimized or not recognized for what they are, which is a medical treatment. Just because it is for enhancement and makes us feel and look better, such as Botox for frown lines or laser hair removal does not mean it should be taken lightly. A medical treatment qualifies as anything that affects the structure or function of the skin. Whether you are having a cosmetic treatment in a medical office, medispa, or even a chemical peel in a skin care salon I recommend the following tips prior to your treatment.

• To perform a safe and effective treatment a reputable medical office or Medispa will take your medical history. Pertinent medical information includes current or past serious illnesses, current medications and any allergic reaction to medications.
  
  
• You should be given an informed consent regarding information about the procedure, possible adverse effects and alternative treatments. Do not sign it without reading it and ask questions if you do not understand it.
  
  
• Inquire about the treatment in terms of how many are typically necessary and is there any discomfort associated with the procedure.
  
  
• A prescription written by an M.D. will be given to you if a topical numbing cream is recommended prior to treatment, as well as instructions. In many medical offices, it is common practice to ask the patient to arrive fifteen to thirty minutes early so the numbing cream can be applied by a medical professional and the patient can be monitored.
  
  
• Expect verbal or written post care instructions.
  
• Men and women of color or those prone to scars, especially keloids, should have a patch test first.
  
  
• If you have experienced herpes simplex in the past, near the treatment site, the physician will prescribe an antiviral such as Valtrex or Zovirax prior to the treatment to help prevent an outbreak.
  
  
• If you have a tan or sunburn you should not have a laser treatment or chemical peel, as this can cause further damage or discoloration. Sun exposure should also be avoided four to six weeks after the treatment for the same reasons.
  
  
• After the treatment if you notice any unusual effects, such as persistent redness, discomfort, irritation, or an open lesion, then contact the office where the treatment was performed.
  

Medispas are the fastest growing segment of the spa industry. Medispa is a great concept. Having a treatment in a relaxing spa like environment can ease any tension you may feel prior to a treatment. But remember, you are a patient about to have a medical treatment. If you seek a treatment in a Medispa, in addition to the above guidelines, ascertain if a Registered nurse, nurse practitioner, physicians assistant, or M.D. will be performing the procedure. If the treatment is performed by a technician s/he should be a licensed esthetician or medical assistant who is certified in the procedure, and there should be an M.D. on the site.