The TOP 12 questions to ask before having any cosmetic treatments

In the light of more reports of botched lip treatments, Sinclair Pharma, manufacturers of a range of dermal fillers, including Perfectha for lips, has issued a guide for anyone considering treatment.  

Frances Turner Traill, who is a Consultant Cosmetic Nurse and a trainer for the company, has created her top twelve tips to help guide potential patients past the minefield of potential hazards to achieve the best results.

Frances is committed to providing the highest quality of professional advice, treatment and after care service.  'I am an advocate for standards of excellence within clinical practice.  

'Everyone I train will have absolute confidence in my clinical knowledge, level of expertise and safety standards offered.  Consultation is an important part of every treatment but essential for any medical aesthetic procedure. 

'This is my advice to ensure that you get the best possible care for the best possible outcome.'

Make sure the person treating you is a cosmetic doctor or a cosmetic nurse.  Doctors and nurses may be medically trained but if they don’t have specific additional training in cosmetic procedures, they should be avoided
Ask for proof that they are registered with recognised organisations, such as the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN) or the British College of Aesthetics Medicine (BCAM)
Ask to see evidence of the qualifications and training certificates in the specific treatment you are having. In England the clinic should have CQC certification and the doctor, nurse or dentist should be registered with their professional regulatory body. In Scotland Health Improvement Scotland regulations will come into force in April 2017.
Don’t be persuaded to have more treatments than you have requested.  Principled doctors and nurses should provide you with a variety of treatment options and set your expectations about what you can expect.  They should not persuade you to have treatments you don’t want!
An ethical clinic should offer you a ‘cooling off’ period to allow you to consider the treatment options you have been given. Don’t be pressurised into acting fast, taking advantage of financial incentives to have treatment immediately and so on
Ask about recovery time, aftercare and precautions you should take after treatment - a good clinic will always provide you with written guidance to take home with you, as it is sometimes hard to take in everything in one go
Ask to see examples of the clients work, read testimonials on line and even ask to speak to patients to ask for their opinions
Don’t have injectable treatments outside a clinic environment (at a party, on an exhibition stand or in a shopping centre) as it is vital that the correct treatment protocols and sterility guidelines are adhered to if infection and complications are to be avoided
If you are asked if you smoke, drink or take medication, there is a reason for this as it may make you more prone to bruising, for example, so answer questions honestly.  You are not there to be judged, but protected
Advise the clinician if you are about to go on holiday, have a medical condition or take part in strenuous sports activities and so on as these could also affect which treatments you can have and your recovery
Ask for a telephone number you can call if anything goes wrong so that you can get the right advice, fast and effectively
If anything doesn’t feel right, go with your gut instincts and delay having treatment – or find another clinic.
Sinclair Pharma is highly ethical and runs acclaimed accreditation training courses for doctors and nurse practitioners, and is concerned to help the public find a qualified practitioner to treat them.