Aesthetic care or medical aesthetics are terms we frequently hear but never fully understand. Most of us confuse it with either the cosmetics industry or cosmetic surgery. But what really is medical aesthetics? How does it differ from standard cosmetic treatments and cosmetic surgical procedures? Who needs aesthetic care? Why is aesthetic care gaining popularity? How do you find the right aesthetic product or procedure for you?
Over the recent years, medical spas have mushroomed across the country – in local malls, shopping centers, and polyclinics. These aesthetics clinics offer a variety of products and services aimed to enhance your appearance.
Here’s a quick guide on the essential things to know about aesthetic care.
What is medical aesthetics?
Medical aesthetics is a unique medical specialty that focuses on improving the cosmetic appearance of clients. The treatments address common cosmetic concerns such as excess fat, scars, wrinkles, spider veins, sagging skin, etc. Aesthetic medicine occupies a special niche in between plastic surgery and the beauty/cosmetics industry. Qualified medical doctors, aestheticians, and nurses provide a variety of procedures to enhance your physical look.
How aesthetic care differs from beauty treatments and cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic procedures require a high degree of knowledge, skill, and training. This level of educational preparation and requirement separates aesthetic medicine from the services offered by ordinary beauty salons and spas, such as waxing, facial and skin care treatments, eyelash extensions, tanning, etc.
On the other hand, medical aesthetic procedures are not as aggressive or invasive as cosmetic plastic surgery. You’re probably familiar with the top five cosmetic surgical procedures that include breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, and facelift. These procedures are performed by cosmetic surgeons with anesthesia and in a hospital setting.
In contrast, the majority of aesthetic procedures are non-surgical cosmetic treatments that are performed in a medical spa, an outpatient clinic, or a medical practice. According to VIP Medi Spa, Portland emsculpt experts, most medical aesthetic procedures involve high-tech, specialized equipment to achieve the desired outcome.
What is the nature of aesthetic medical treatments?
Medical aesthetics is the use of advanced technologies to provide a medically sound procedure to enhance or improve the appearance of a client. Usually, procedures involve the use of laser technology or energy-based equipment.
NWlaser, VI peel specialists from Vancouver, WA noted that aesthetic services can be a one-time procedure or a multi-session procedure that requires you to go back at prescribed intervals. Basically, these aesthetic procedures are done on an outpatient basis that takes a few minutes or hours. After the procedure, clients see immediate results.
Some of the common aesthetic procedures include chemical or laser peels, dermal fillers, Botox anti-wrinkle treatments, micro-needling, platelet-rich plasma infusion, skin resurfacing, and laser treatments.
Who needs aesthetic care?
Aesthetic medicine is not dedicated to any specific population. The medical procedures are suitable for people of all ages and gender. There are many treatment options developed to suit the unique needs of clients.
As this field of medical practice rapidly expands, new cosmetic treatments are developed and rolled out every year. The demand for proven, non-surgical technologies has also grown over recent years. The medical aesthetics market is forecasted to grow by $7.64 billion during 2020-2024 with an annual growth rate of 7 percent.
Why is aesthetic care gaining popularity?
Although aesthetic care is considered elective (and not necessarily life-saving), it continues to gain popularity. There are many reasons why people turn to medical aesthetics for their beauty needs. Firstly, the effectiveness of the treatments results in high satisfaction. Many clients report immediate and permanent enhancements immediately after the procedure.
Secondly, aesthetic care offers a pain-free alternative to cosmetic surgical procedures. These technologies minimize the need for aggressive, invasive procedures. Clients also face shorter recovery periods.
Thirdly, medical aesthetics are proven safe and effective. The technologies used in the procedures undergo regulatory trials from the FDA to ensure their safety. Furthermore, only qualified and licensed medical professionals perform these procedures.
Lastly, the lasting impact of the beauty enhancements improves and adds to the overall quality of life. People simply love to feel and look refreshed. Professional aesthetic care can effectively address many of the problems associated with your physical appearance.
How do you find the right aesthetic procedure for you?
Choosing the right aesthetic clinic is vital in finding the right aesthetic procedure in your case. Professional, reputable, and experienced aesthetic providers will assess and evaluate your problem area. They will then explain to you the problem and give you options explaining carefully each of these alternatives. This should help you make an informed decision.