The Powers of Self Advocacy in Aesthetic Medicine

Anita East, Cosmetic Nurse, Clinic owner, author and podcaster  shares her expertise on patient safety in aesthetic treatments, focusing on the importance of self-advocacy and the risks associated with different procedures. We discuss the need for clinicians to convey their ability to handle emergencies and the importance of trusting one's gut instincts. She emphasises the need for consumers to ask questions, consider their options, knowingly assess risks before signing consent forms, and to alway seek proper medical advice in case of any concerns or adverse reactions. 

In this conversation, Bahar Etminan and Anita East discuss how to have difficult conversations about embarrassing or intimate concerns with healthcare practitioners and the importance of patient confidentiality.

Key Takeaways

• Self-advocacy is crucial in the realm of wellness and beauty, as it allows individuals to trust their gut instincts and address concerns when something doesn't feel right.
• Clinicians should convey their ability to handle emergencies and prioritize patient safety in aesthetic treatments.
• Consumers should be aware of the risks associated with different procedures, such as vascular occlusion in dermal fillers or adverse reactions in chemical peels.
• It is important to sign consent forms for every treatment and ask questions about ingredients, downtime, and potential side effects.
• Proper training and the use of registered laser devices are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of laser treatments.
• In case of any concerns or adverse reactions, consumers should seek medical advice from their clinician, pharmacist, or through telehealth consultations. Word-of-mouth and reputation are paramount when choosing a clinic for aesthetic treatments.
• Stepping away from social media and speaking to people who have had positive experiences at a clinic is important.
• Doing research on the laser machines used in a clinic and preparing the skin prior to treatment is crucial.
• The clinician's appearance and empathy are indicators of their expertise and the quality of the treatment.
• Open communication and self-advocacy are essential during the treatment process.
• There are potential risks and side effects associated with energy-based devices, and responsible device companies and self-regulation are important in the industry.
• Having difficult conversations about embarrassing or intimate concerns with healthcare practitioners is necessary for personalised and effective treatment.
• Patient confidentiality is a strict code in the healthcare profession.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Power of Self-Advocacy
03:46 Prioritising Patient Safety in Aesthetic Procedures
06:14 Understanding the Risks in Different Aesthetic Treatments
10:35 The Importance of Proper Training and Registered Devices in Laser Treatments
37:25 Word-of-Mouth and Reputation
41:06 The Clinician's Appearance and Gut Instinct
41:56 Pain Threshold and Consultation
45:23 Risks and Side Effects of Energy-Based Devices
46:48 Regulation in the Therapy Industry
49:41 Self-Advocacy and Asking Questions
52:59 Advocating for Yourself and Setting Limits
55:55 Difficult Conversations and Patient Confidentiality

Watch the full episode on Ageless By Rescu YouTube Channel here:
https://youtu.be/h-vdfzRXOGs