aesthetics

Aesthetics, General

How Electronic Forms Revolutionise Client Communication and Simplify Your Business

With the surge of companies transitioning to paperless procedures, online forms have emerged as a favoured method for gathering and organising client information. These digital forms allow individuals to complete and submit documents electronically, avoiding the necessity for paper-based submissions. This article delves into the advantages of utilising electronic forms for your clients and how they can enhance your business operations by streamlining administrative tasks.

Efficiency

Electronic forms offer a multitude of advantages, one of which is their exceptional efficiency. In contrast to traditional paper forms, which necessitate clients to print, fill out, and hand-deliver the documents to your company, electronic forms can be accomplished and submitted online within a few minutes from any location with internet access. This convenient process is a time-saving solution for both your clients and your business. Clients no longer need to waste their valuable time filling out numerous paper forms, whereas your company can avoid the hassle of manually processing paper documents.

Accuracy

When clients use traditional paper forms, they are prone to making errors or leaving out important information, which leads to costly mistakes and delays. However, electronic forms guide clients to fill in all mandatory fields and rectify errors promptly, thus ensuring that you receive comprehensive and accurate information. This reduces the likelihood of processing errors and delays, streamlining your operations and improving your overall efficiency.

Cost Savings

Conventional paper forms demand printing, postage, and laborious manual data entry, all of which can incur substantial expenses over time. Conversely, electronic forms do not necessitate paper, printing, or postage, thereby eliminating these costs. Furthermore, as data is submitted electronically, it can be automatically integrated into your business software, reducing the requirement for manual data entry.

Convenience

Electronic forms provide clients with a higher degree of convenience, enabling them to complete forms at their own speed, on their own time, and from any location with an internet connection. This is especially beneficial for clients with hectic schedules or who live far from your business. Moreover, electronic forms may be accessed and completed with a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, further increasing convenience for clients.

Security

Finally, using electronic forms can help improve the security of client data. Traditional paper forms can be lost or stolen, potentially exposing sensitive client information. Electronic forms, on the other hand, can be encrypted and stored securely online, with access restricted only to authorised personnel. This can help protect client data from unauthorised access and ensure that it is kept secure at all times.

Use Faces Consent Now

Faces Consent is a free and user-friendly electronic form software that enables businesses to manage and store their client information digitally. It allows businesses to streamline their paperwork processes by digitising consent forms, questionnaires, and other essential documents.

The benefits of using Faces Consent are not limited to businesses alone, as clients also benefit from the convenience and efficiency of electronic forms. Clients can easily complete and sign consent forms from anywhere using their computer or mobile device, without the need for printing or physically visiting the business location.

Takeaway

The use of electronic forms has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. From small start-ups to large corporations, businesses of all sizes can benefit from the efficiency and convenience offered by electronic forms. Clients also stand to benefit, with greater accuracy and security of their data. By streamlining business operations, electronic forms can help reduce costs and save valuable time.

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Aesthetics, General

The Importance of Aftercare and Maintenance

As an aesthetician, your clients look to you for guidance on how to achieve and maintain their desired appearance. While you may be skilled in performing a variety of treatments, it’s equally important to educate your clients on the importance of aftercare and maintenance. Here’s why:

Maximising Results

After undergoing treatment, the initial 24 to 48 hours are crucial in attaining optimal results. It’s essential for clients to abstain from activities that may cause irritation to the treated area, excessive perspiration, and exposure to direct sunlight. It’s important to provide clients with detailed instructions on what to do, including avoiding specific products or activities, applying prescribed topical treatments or ice, and following a specific skincare regimen.

Preserving the Investment

Many aesthetic treatments come with a significant cost, so clients naturally want to ensure that they get the most out of their investment. By emphasising the importance of aftercare and maintenance, you can help your clients preserve the results of their treatments for as long as possible. Incorporating a consistent skincare routine, receiving follow-up treatments, and making lifestyle adjustments like refraining from smoking or reducing sun exposure are among the possible steps to take.

Maintaining Good Skin Health

Good aftercare and maintenance aren’t just about maximising the results of a particular treatment. They also play an important role in maintaining overall skin health. This can include regular exfoliation, hydration, and protection from the sun. As an aesthetician, you can provide your clients with personalised recommendations for maintaining good skin health in between treatments.

Minimising Complications

It’s crucial to note that aesthetic treatments, though generally safe, do carry potential risks. These risks can include infection, scarring, or adverse reactions. While complications are rare, they can occur if proper aftercare instructions are not followed. Therefore, it’s essential to educate clients on the importance of proper aftercare and maintenance to minimise the risk of complications and ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Building Trust

Providing quality aftercare and maintenance advice is an essential part of building a strong relationship with your clients. By showing that you care about their long-term results and overall skin health, you can create a sense of trust and confidence in your services. This can lead to repeat business and referrals, as satisfied clients are more likely to recommend you to others.

To ensure your clients receive optimal results and maintain healthy skin, you need to stress the significance of aftercare and maintenance. This practice not only aids in preserving their investment but also minimises complications and establishes a strong rapport with your clients.

Faces Consent offers free consent and aftercare forms for your aesthetic treatments. Our professionally designed forms are customisable, saving you time and effort while ensuring your clients are fully informed and prepared for their treatments. Try Faces Consent today and take the hassle out of creating your own forms! Download the app now via the Faces Consent website or go to Google Play Store or App Store.

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Aesthetics, General

The Most Common Myths and Misconceptions about Aesthetic Treatments

As a professional aesthetician, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the most prevalent myths and misunderstandings concerning aesthetic treatments. It is not uncommon for clients to approach you with preconceived notions or misguided information about the procedures you offer.

As a result, it is your duty to furnish them with accurate information and dispel any myths that may be hindering them from seeking out the treatments they require. The following discourse delves into the most common myths and misconceptions regarding aesthetic treatments and offers insights into how you can enlighten your clients to aid them in making informed decisions about their appearance.

Myth #1: Aesthetic treatments are only for women

A common misconception surrounding aesthetic treatments is that they are solely for women. However, recent trends have shown that men are also seeking out these treatments in greater quantities. Therefore, as a knowledgeable aesthetician, it is crucial to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all clients, irrespective of gender. This way, everyone can benefit from the numerous benefits that aesthetic treatments have to offer.

Myth #2: Aesthetic treatments are painful

Many clients are afraid of aesthetic treatments because they believe they will be painful. While some treatments can be uncomfortable, most are not particularly painful. It’s important to provide information about what clients can expect during each treatment and to offer options to minimise discomfort.

Myth #3: Aesthetic treatments are only for the wealthy

Despite the fact that certain treatments can be costly, there are also numerous reasonably priced alternatives accessible to the general public. It is critical to provide clients with a variety of treatment options at various price points and to be upfront about the expenses associated with each treatment. By doing so, clients can make an informed decision about which treatment best suits their budget and aesthetic preferences.

You can read another related article: Aesthetics Treatment Pricing: How to Ensure Your Clients Get the Best Value

Myth #4: Aesthetic treatments are only for older people

Numerous individuals hold the belief that aesthetic treatments are solely intended for the elderly looking to counteract the visible effects of ageing. Although this may be a usual cause for seeking out such treatments, it’s vital to realise that aesthetic treatments can be advantageous to people of all ages. It’s crucial to adopt an all-encompassing and impartial approach when dealing with clients from different age groups and to educate them on how aesthetic treatments can cater to their specific requirements and apprehensions.

Myth #5: Aesthetic treatments are dangerous

While all medical procedures carry some risk, aesthetic treatments are generally very safe when performed by a licensed and experienced provider. It’s important to work with reputable providers and to help clients understand the risks and benefits of each treatment.

Myth #6: Aesthetic treatments are a quick fix

While some treatments can offer immediate results, it’s important to help clients understand that no treatment is permanent and that maintenance treatments may be required to maintain the desired results. It’s important to set realistic expectations for each treatment and to provide information about the expected timeline for results.

Myth #7: Aesthetic treatments are only for the face

Dispelling the erroneous belief that cosmetic procedures are limited to facial enhancements is of utmost importance. It’s necessary for you to offer a wide-ranging selection of treatment options catering to various parts of the body, such as the neck, chest, and hands. Your clients may be unaware of the entirety of treatments accessible to them and the numerous advantages they can derive from them. Thus, it is crucial to provide comprehensive information about your services and how they can enhance the overall appearance and well-being of your clients.

Myth #8: Aesthetic treatments are only for those who want to look younger

A common misconception among clients is that aesthetic treatments are solely intended for individuals seeking to combat the visible signs of ageing. However, it is important to note that these treatments can greatly enhance the appearance of skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation as well. With various treatments available, it is crucial to enlighten clients about the diversity of options and the potential benefits that cater to their specific concerns.

By imparting accurate knowledge to your clients, you can help them make informed decisions about their appearance and enhance their self-esteem and confidence. Educating your clients on the realities of aesthetic treatments can go a long way in dispelling false beliefs and empowering them to achieve their desired aesthetic goals.

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Aesthetics, General

Top 5 Skin Boosters to Transform Your Skin

Having healthy and glowing skin is a dream for many people. However, several factors contribute to the overall health of your skin, including genetics, lifestyle, diet, and environment. 

While we cannot change our genetics, we can make positive changes to our lifestyle, diet, and environment to improve the health of our skin.

One way to boost the health of your skin is by using skin boosters. Skin boosters are an injectable treatment that can improve your skin’s overall quality and appearance. 

They increase hydration levels, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin texture and elasticity. Here are the top 5 skin boosters that you can use today:

Revs Pro 32

Revs Pro 32 is a revolutionary skin booster that contains 32 essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This powerful blend of nutrients helps to nourish and hydrate the skin from the inside out, improving skin texture, tone, and radiance.

The key ingredients in Revs Pro 32 include Vitamin C, which helps to brighten and even out skin tone, and Hyaluronic Acid, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin. Other ingredients include Zinc, Copper, and Magnesium, which work together to support healthy collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

Revs Pro 32 is an excellent choice for those who want to improve their skin’s health and appearance. It is a safe and effective treatment that can be used on all skin types.

S-DNA 

S-DNA is another highly effective skin booster that can help improve your skin’s quality and appearance. This product contains a unique blend of DNA fragments that help to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that help to keep the skin firm and elastic.

S-DNA also contains Hyaluronic Acid, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin, and Vitamin C, which helps to brighten and even out skin tone. 

Other ingredients include Amino Acids, which help to support healthy skin cell function, and Niacinamide, which helps to reduce inflammation and improve skin texture.

S-DNA is an excellent choice for those who want to improve their skin’s health and appearance. It is a safe and effective treatment that can be used on all skin types.

Juvederm Volite

Juvederm Volite is a popular skin booster containing Hyaluronic Acid, a natural substance in the skin. This treatment helps to hydrate and plump the skin, improving skin texture and elasticity.

Juvederm Volite is an excellent choice for those who want to improve the overall hydration levels of their skin. It is a safe and effective treatment that can be used on all skin types.

Restylane Skinboosters

Restylane Skinboosters is a type of skin booster that contains Hyaluronic Acid. This treatment helps to hydrate and plump the skin, improving skin texture and elasticity.

Restylane Skinboosters is an excellent choice for those who want to improve the overall hydration levels of their skin. They are a safe and effective treatment that can be used on all skin types.

Profhilo

Profhilo is a unique skin booster with a high Hyaluronic Acid concentration. This treatment is designed to improve the overall quality and appearance of the skin by increasing hydration levels and stimulating collagen production.

Profhilo is an excellent choice for those who want to improve their skin’s health and appearance. It is a safe and effective treatment that can be used on all skin types.

skin boosters

Choose Your Skin Booster Now!

In conclusion, skin boosters are an excellent way to improve your skin’s health and appearance. Not only are they minimally invasive, but they also provide lasting results that can help reduce wrinkles and other signs of ageing. 

Depending on your chosen treatment plan, you may have a glowing complexion. If you’re considering skin boosters as part of your skincare routine, speak to a qualified medical practitioner who can assess your needs and advise you on the right action. 

You can visit the faces website for more if you need to find the best skin boosters.

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Aesthetics, General

Say Goodbye to Fine Lines: Skin Boosters and Their Anti-Ageing Benefits

The desire for glowing, healthy and youthful-looking skin is no news to anyone. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve due to factors like pollution, sun damage, and the natural ageing process. Skin boosters are the latest trend in skincare that promises to improve the appearance of the skin and keep it hydrated and radiant. Here are some benefits of skin boosters.

skin boosters

What are skin boosters?

Skin boosters are a type of injectable treatment that contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the body that helps to retain moisture in the skin. 

The treatment is designed to hydrate the skin from the inside, thus making it look plumper and smoother. In addition, the hyaluronic acid used in skin boosters is highly purified, so it does not cause allergic reactions.

The benefits of a skin booster treatment include increased hydration, improved texture and tone of the skin, as well as reduced wrinkles. It also helps to reduce pore size and brighten the complexion. The results can last several months, depending on the injection’s depth.

An important thing to note is that skin boosters differ from dermal fillers because they don’t contain any added substances such as collagen or other fillers. 

Instead, they are simply a way to help restore lost moisture and boost your skin overall. A great thing about this type of treatment is that it’s not just used for cosmetic reasons; it can also treat dehydrated, dull-looking skin.

Benefits of Skin Boosters

Improved Skin Hydration 

The skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases as we age, leading to dryness and fine lines. Skin boosters restore hydration by injecting hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin, which can bind water molecules and keep the skin looking plump and hydrated. 

Revs Pro 32 and S-DNA are two skin boosters that are highly effective in restoring skin hydration. They are both made with hyaluronic acid that delivers long-lasting results.

Reduced Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Another benefit of skin boosters is that they help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Fine lines and wrinkles become less noticeable as the skin becomes more hydrated and plump. 

Revs Pro 32 and S-DNA effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Revs Pro 32 is formulated with a unique blend of hyaluronic acid and amino acids that work together to improve skin texture. At the same time, S-DNA contains hyaluronic acid and succinic acid, which helps rejuvenate the skin.

Improves Skin Texture

Skin boosters help improve skin texture by stimulating collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its strength and elasticity. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to sagging and wrinkles. 

Skin boosters like Revs Pro 32 and S-DNA help stimulate collagen production, which improves skin texture and gives it a more youthful appearance.

Long-lasting Results

One of the benefits of skin boosters is that the results are long-lasting. Unlike other skincare treatments that only provide temporary results, skin boosters can last up to 12 months, depending on the product used. Revs Pro 32 and S-DNA are long-lasting skin boosters that provide natural-looking results.

Safe And Effective

Skin boosters are safe and effective ways to improve your skin’ appearance. The hyaluronic acid used in skin boosters is highly purified, so it does not cause allergic reactions. 

Revs Pro 32 and S-DNA are safe and effective skin boosters that have been clinically tested and approved by the FDA.

skin boosters

Boost Your Skin’s Appearance Now

Skin boosters like Revs Pro 32 and S-DNA are highly effective ways to improve the appearance of the skin. They provide long-lasting results and are safe and effective. Skin boosters are an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their skin’s hydration, texture, and overall appearance.

Whether you have dry, dull skin or are prone to breakouts, these treatments can help. 

These treatments involve advanced technology and techniques to improve skin health, texture, and appearance.

Looking for the most effective skin booster can be challenging. Revs Pro 32 and S-DNA are easy to find. You can get these products at the faces store. Create a faces account for quick access to these skin boosters.

You can download the faces app and get the Revs Pro 32 and S-DNA even on the go.

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Aesthetics, General

Unlocking the Path to Becoming a Prescriber

If you are interested in becoming a prescriber, you will need to take several steps to achieve this goal. First, a prescriber is legally authorised to prescribe medications and treatments. In the case of aesthetics, it could include Botox, dermal fillers, and other cosmetic procedures.

Here are some of the steps you can take to become a prescriber of aesthetic treatments:

prescriber

Get The Right Qualifications.

The first step to becoming a prescriber is to get the right qualifications. This typically involves completing a medical or nursing degree and additional aesthetic training. 

Several courses can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills. In addition, choosing a system accredited and recognised by the appropriate regulatory bodies is essential.

Gain Experience As A Prescriber

Once you have completed the qualifications, gaining practical experience prescribing aesthetic treatments is essential. This can involve working with an experienced prescriber or in a clinic or hospital setting where you can gain experience in prescribing various therapies.

Apply For A Prescribing License.

You must apply for a prescribing license to prescribe medications and treatments legally. This typically involves completing an application process and passing an examination. The exact requirements for a prescribing permit will depend on the country or state where you are practising.

Join A Professional Association

Joining a professional association can be a valuable way to gain support, resources, and networking opportunities as a prescriber of aesthetic treatments. 

Professional associations, such as the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), are dedicated to the aesthetics industry. 

These organisations can provide you with access to educational resources, industry news and updates, and other valuable information.

Keep Up To Date With The Latest Developments

The aesthetics industry constantly evolves, with new treatments, techniques, and products emerging. As a prescriber of aesthetic treatments, it is essential to keep up to date with the latest developments in the industry. 

This can involve attending industry events, reading industry publications, and staying informed about new research and products in the field.

Build Your Professional Reputation

Building a solid professional reputation is essential to becoming a successful prescriber of aesthetic treatments. 

This can involve developing a solid online presence, building relationships with patients and other professionals in the industry, and providing high-quality care and treatment to your patients. 

Word of mouth can be a powerful tool in building your reputation, so providing an excellent experience to every patient is essential.

Follow Ethical Guidelines

Prescribing aesthetic treatments comes with a responsibility to follow ethical guidelines and ensure that patient safety is always the top priority. Therefore, it is essential to follow best practice guidelines and to be transparent and honest with your patients about the risks and benefits of any treatment or procedure. 

You should also be fully informed about any potential side effects or complications associated with any treatment you prescribe.

prescriber

Become A Prescriber Now!

Becoming a prescriber of aesthetic treatments requires education, experience, and ongoing professional development. Following the steps outlined above, you can develop the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective treatments to your patients and build a successful career in the aesthetics industry.

You can get training from Kanvas Training Academy to enhance your skills. If you already are a medical practitioner, you can download the faces app to grow your aesthetics business. The faces app is a convenient way to manage your aesthetics services. 

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Aesthetics, General

Aesthetics Treatment Pricing: How to Ensure Your Clients Get the Best Value

Aesthetics treatment is becoming increasingly popular today as people become more conscious of their appearance and want to look their best. 

However, charging clients for these treatments can be a delicate matter, as the prices must be high enough to cover the business’s costs but not so high that they are out of reach for potential clients. 

This article will explore how to charge clients for aesthetic treatments fairly, transparently, and profitably.

aesthetics treatment

Consider the cost of the aesthetics treatment.

The first step in determining how to charge clients for aesthetic treatments is to consider the cost of the treatment itself. This includes the cost of the products, equipment, and time and expertise required to perform the treatment. 

In addition, it would help if you also considered any additional expenses such as rent, utilities, insurance, and staff salaries. Once you clearly understand the cost of the treatment, you can determine a fair price to charge clients.

Research the market

Researching the market to see what other aesthetic clinics in your area are charging for similar treatments is essential. This will give you an idea of what prices are considered fair and competitive. 

However, it is necessary to remember that more than simply matching the fees of other clinics is needed. Consider your costs and overhead expenses to determine a price that works for your business.

Offer different packages

Offering different packages can help you to cater to a broader range of clients and their budgets. For example, you can offer basic, standard, and premium packages that include different levels of treatment and services. 

This will allow clients to choose the package that best suits their needs and budget while still allowing you to charge a fair price for your assistance.

Be transparent about pricing.

Being transparent about your pricing is essential so clients know what they pay. You should list the prices of each treatment on your website or in your clinic and be upfront about any additional costs, such as taxes or fees. 

This will help build trust with clients and avoid confusion or misunderstandings.

Offer promotions and discounts.

Offering promotions and discounts can be an effective way to attract new clients and retain existing ones. For example, you can submit a discount on a client’s first visit or provide a referral discount. 

You can also offer seasonal promotions or special deals for holidays or other events. These promotions can help to boost your business and create a positive image in the minds of your clients.

Consider offering financing options.

Some clients may be unable to afford the total cost of treatment upfront, so consider offering financing options such as payment plans or financing through a third-party provider. You can check faces finance for more financing options.

This will allow clients to spread the treatment’s cost over time, making it more affordable. This can particularly benefit clients considering more expensive treatments such as plastic surgery.

aesthetics treatment

Regularly review and adjust your prices.

It is essential to regularly review and adjust your prices to ensure that they are still in line with your costs and the market. This will allow you to stay competitive and avoid pricing yourself out of the market. 

It would help if you also considered any changes in the cost of products, equipment, or services, as these can significantly impact your prices and pricing.

In conclusion, charging clients for aesthetic treatments can be a delicate matter. Still, by considering the cost of the treatment, researching the market, offering different packages, being transparent about pricing, offering promotions and discounts, considering financing options, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your prices, you can ensure that you are charging fair and competitive fees that are reasonable for all.

If you need a place to grow your aesthetics business, enter the faces website and create your account. You also can download the faces app and add your aesthetics business.

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Aesthetics, General, News

Body Dysmorphic Disorder – A New Perspective

In light of the news that the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners has agreed to introduce new measures to protect those vulnerable due to mental health problems, Harry Singh explores what this means for dentists practising facial aesthetic treatments.

MIND, the mental health charity, defines body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) as ‘an anxiety disorder related to body image’. 

Individuals with BDD may seek cosmetic treatments to correct what they perceive as flaws, hoping they will be satisfied with their appearance. 

BDD affects roughly 1 in 50 people two, so this is quite a prevalent mental health issue. Given that cosmetic treatments performed in the UK between 2002 and 2018 increased by 300%, three it is pretty likely that dentists offering non-invasive facial aesthetic treatments will come across BDD sufferers at some point in their careers.

body dysmorphia

BDD As A Contraindication

Reputable facial aesthetic practitioners understand that BDD is a contraindication to cosmetic procedures, not least because it makes obtaining proper consent impossible, and any treatment can worsen the patient’s mental health issues. It was, therefore, no surprise when, early in 2019, Superdrug announced it was to start checking patients wanting facial aesthetic treatment for BDD.4

Screening for BDD is essential, and every clinician should be doing it, so the only real surprise is how long it took for this idea to hit the headlines. Raising awareness of this mental health problem is crucial in stopping unwitting consumers from handing their money over to cosmetic cowboys, often leaving the patient worse off both physically and mentally. So, Superdrug’s stance and that of the JCCP are to be applauded for making that decision and effectively circulating the news.

Identifying BDD

Many people have unrealistic expectations in a world where social media use is rife and we know images can be manipulated to look much better than reality. People see these celebrities with perfect bodies and faces and want it for themselves.

Having been performing facial aesthetic treatments since 2002, it is true that patients are becoming more obsessive with how they look and are perceived, comparing themselves to what they see on social media posts. 

Every first appointment should involve a detailed consultation and assessment of the patient’s situation. Allow a cooling-off period – never treat on the same day. Overplay the downtime and possible complications. It is also essential to show the results of realistic cases to counterbalance unachievable, manipulated images on social media.

There is no doubt that dealing with mental health issues can be very challenging. Still, if clinicians allow plenty of time for the consultation, each patient’s expectations, the basis for treatments, budgets, time frame, etc., can be evaluated.! If you don’t think a patient needs the treatment they want or you can’t improve their concerns, do not treat them. Just say no. Alternatively, they could be referred to a colleague for a second opinion. While not scientific, always go with your gut feeling. 

A Case In Point

I have met people in my clinic with BDD; for example, a female patient once presented concerned about nasolabial folds. It transpired that she had undergone cheek fat transfer that had been over-filled. 

As a result, the cheeks were heavy and pushing down, causing the nasolabial folds. She just wanted the nasolabial folds treated and more cheek filler, thinking the filler would lift her cheeks. However, she would not let go of the mirror and would complain about her appearance and her previous practitioner. 

I explained that treating the consequence (nasolabial fold) and not the cause (fat in the cheeks) would not address her concerns and meet her expectations. She kept saying she didn’t care how much the fillers would cost; she just wanted the nasolabial folds treated. It took a long time to convince her I would not treat her.

body dysmorphia

Best Practice

Patient safety and happiness are paramount, and reputable health professionals strive to achieve them. Sadly, weeding out patients with BDD is not compulsory, but it is best practice. 

That makes it a must in my eyes, first and foremost, because it is in the best interest of patients and because you will save yourself stress and time and remove the almost inevitable complaint that will come your way if you treat a BDD sufferer.

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Aesthetics, General

Marketing Facial Aesthetics

The process of marketing

Marketing is a process, not an event. It has a beginning and a middle – but not an end. Generally speaking, it involves communicating with the public to influence them to buy your products and services. It’s about effective communication regarding who you are and what you do. 

Let’s look at this process a little further. The marketing costs have tripled, but effectiveness has halved, so you must maximise your activities. 

facial aesthetics

There are two elements: 

 Initial Contact 

This is critical to the success of any marketing endeavour. Patients will make a snap decision about your promotion, branding, offer, etc., within seconds. If it is not remarkable or fails to stand out for some reason, you will be lost within the clutter they are bombarded with daily. Indeed, the most significant marketing challenge is the clutter factor.

Ongoing Contact 

This is also known as TOMA (top-of-mind awareness). Many patients will need timely reminders of your facial aesthetic services (such as newsletters, emails and texts). Big corporates do this exceedingly well. Here’s an exercise for you; name a soft drink, a fast-food chain, and a luxury car manufacturer. 

Most of you probably thought “Coca-Cola” or “Pepsi”, “McDonald’s” or “Burger King”, and “Mercedes” or “BMW”. Their reasoning for their continuous spending is that they will be your first port of call when you are ready to make that purchase.

Without initial and ongoing marketing strategies, you will fail to attract patients to your services. You may be the finest clinician, have outstanding customer care and have the patient’s best interest at heart, but if they don’t know about the services in the first place, you won’t have any clients. 

It would help if you also thought long-term, so have a marketing plan for the year. It can tie in with special events such as Valentine’s or Mother’s Day, so you have a systematic approach to what you will market when you’ll deal with it and to whom you’ll sell it. 

This way, you won’t have a knee-jerk reaction to, say, one month when your turnover is not as good as you hoped, and so you decide on a whim to spend a couple of hundred pounds to produce an advert. Stick with a plan and commit to it.

To quote Bobby and Shahar Hashemi from their book Anyone Can Do it: Building Coffee Republic from Our Kitchen Table: ‘Don’t expect customers to flock to you. Success is not entitlement. They, like the rest of the world, don’t appreciate new ideas easily. Good things take time to come. You have to see that customers, like every other hurdle you pass – i.e. bankers, suppliers – will not buy into your vision initially. It won’t be easy at the beginning. You’ll need stick-ability. Keep focused and you will succeed.’

Budgeting

Next, you need to look at your budget. In the first year, it is normal for a new enterprise to set the marketing budget as a percentage of gross turnover expected to be generated during this period. This will come from the detailed financials in your business plan. 

The budget for the following year could be a percentage of the forecast net profit, the thinking being that, in year one, you have to invest in creating patient awareness of the new venture. 

The marketing budget has to cover all the expenditures on launching the business and the ongoing requirements to create and maintain local patient awareness of the available treatments. 

Once established, you must review the budget monthly and justify any expenditure. In addition, every patient must be asked how they learned about your facial aesthetics treatments. This will make media selection and planning for the second year much more cost-effective.  

By implementing the above system, you should avoid the pitfall of Lord Leverhulme (the British founder of Unilever), who once said: ‘Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted, and the problem is I don’t know which half’. 

facial aesthetics

Goals Beyond Finances

You may have different goals regarding what outcome you hope to achieve via marketing efforts. Do you want to build a world-class brand? Or create a unique position in the mind of the customer? You aspire to get the customer through the door and buy repeatedly. What about a desire to motivate a happy customer to refer people that they know?

You also need to consider your goals in functional terms; for example, the number of new patients. Do you have the capacity for new patients? You need to consider the number of conversions, the percentage of referrals, etc. 

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Aesthetics, General

Can Our Moods Be Affected By Botulinum Toxin?

Did the chicken or egg come first?

Does our mood reflect our facial expressions, or do our facial expressions reflect our mood? We assumed that our emotions directed our facial expressions, but studies have suggested it is, in fact, our facial expressions that determine our emotions.1 

You cannot feel depressed if you are smiling and expressing your face. To feel depressed, you need to have a little expression on your face, look sad, look down, and curl up your body. Whenever my children are upset or start crying, I first get them to open their bodies up, look towards the sky, and crack a joke to get them to smile, and it works every time. 

Researchers also understood the above strategy and started asking themselves whether if we prevented a negative facial expression, such as frowning, could we change that person’s mood and help depression.

Our facial expressions have evolved over millions of years. Charles Darwin, in 1872 wrote2, ‘A man may be absorbed in the deepest thought, and his brow will remain smooth until he encounters some obstacle in his train of reasoning, or is interrupted by some disturbance, and then a frown passes like a shadow over his brow.’ 

We can all tell if someone is angry by a negative facial expression such as frowning. We know the opposite of the hostile frown is the cheerful smile.

‘A smile cures the wounding of a frown’ – Shakespeare.

Botulinum Toxin

Facial Expressions & What They Mean

Let’s go back and look at the negative facial expression of frowning. Depending on which muscles are recruited, there are different frowns (sad versus angry), each with a different meaning. For example, if the inner part of your eyebrows points upwards whilst frowning, you will look sad. On the other hand, if the eyebrows are drawn together and down whilst frowning, you will look angry.

Frowning occurs by the contraction of the glabellar muscles, of which there are two major ones – the corrugator supercilii and the procerus. It is the corrugator supercilii that contributes more to the frown. 

Translated from Latin, corrugator supercilii means ‘the wrinkler above the eye,’ and the contraction of this muscle draws the eyebrow together to create the frown. We all know that the appearance of a frown will tell others exactly what you are feeling, but let’s take it a step further, the actual process of frowning will say to you what you are feeling, and this creates a state in your conscious mind, and this will influence your decisions and your results. 

Suppose we postulate that your facial expressions determine your emotions and mood at any given time; where can we seek this evidence? Hollywood. Actors have to take up their various roles and associated moods regularly.

Facial Feedback

 As far back as the 18th century, a German dramatist Gotthold Ephraim suggested that ‘the actor properly imitates all the external signs..and all the bodily…expressions of a particular (inner) state’ and therefore, they will recreate this internally all the same emotions, thoughts and feelings of the acted part. This began the research into ‘facial feedback.’

Charles Ball, in Essays on the Anatomy and Philosophy of Expression, wrote, ‘by the actions and expressions of the body betraying the passions of the heart we may be startled and forewarned, as it were, by the reflection of ourselves, and at the same time learn to control our passions by restraining the expression of them.’

Charles Darwin then described ‘the intimate relation which exists between almost all the emotions and their outward manifestation and partly from the direct influence of exertion on the heart, and consequently on the brain.’ 

In 1890 William James, a Harvard psychologist, in his work Principles of Psychology’ suggested that our muscles contribute to our emotions and that changes in the muscles occur all the time to suit the emotions of the moment, even if we are consciously unaware of them.

Botulinum Toxin

More recent studies have shown a correlation between the intensity of the smile and the internal emotion it produces. 

What about the use of Botulinum Toxin? Eric Finzi carried out Botulinum Toxin treatments on his patients that were depressed but showed no visible frowns. On review, he noticed that these patients markedly improved their emotional state. 

He postulates that the contraction of these frown muscles sends negative emotional signals to the brain. The brain measures the strength of the frown muscle contraction, weighing it against the power of the smile and deciding which emotion to produce. 

My patients come in for several reasons, some cosmetic and some to improve their confidence. First, it puts you in a better mood if you feel better about your appearance. It’s like doing your hair, your teeth, whatever else.

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