COSMETIC TOWN JOURNAL



Trend Watch: The Perils of Getting In-House Cosmetic Surgery in a Retail Shop

Posted September 27, 2018
Discover the drug store in England that wants to offer Botox

Superdrug is a health and beauty retailer in the United Kingdom and the retailer has recently launched a Skin Review service inside one of their stores in London. The plan is for customers, age 25 or older, to be able to visit the store and have a dermal filler or Botox treatment.

While it might sound like a way for patients to receive these treatments without having to visit the office of a doctor, cosmetic practitioners are not happy about the idea. They claim that offering the services in a store like Superdrug makes the risks of having the treatments seem “less real”.

What Patients should look for in a Facility

According to Dr. Steven Svehlak of Sunset Cosmetic Surgery in West Hollywood, California, patients should exercise caution before visiting any facility or business that advertises cosmetic surgery procedures. “When a prospective patient goes to get a treatment, they should find out who will be discussing the treatment with them as well as who will be performing the procedure.  It is required that a nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant or a doctor actually evaluate the patient.  This is called the ‘Good Faith Exam’. It is important to properly ensure the patient is well informed about the desired treatment, including any benefits and risks, and that they are getting the treatment that is appropriate for their needs.”

Dr. Svehlak added that it is important for the patient to ask a lot of questions during the consultation appointment. “Patients should ask about the experience of the medical professional performing the treatment.  The patient must feel comfortable with the person doing the treatment.  Most nurses can perform these procedures as long as the evaluation is done by a qualified medical professional. If patients are looking to have cosmetic surgery, they should search for a surgery center that is certified by a recognized agency such as AAAASF, ASCA, AAAHC, IMQ, and HFAP.  These are certifications that show the center follows strict guidelines for patient safety, sterility and professional personnel. Patients should have treatments at facilities run by board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists or even otolaryngologists.  These specialties require extensive training in cosmetic procedures.  They understand the risks involved and know how to treat complications when they occur.  Patients who had treatments at med spas often have complications that need to be treated because of the inexperience of the medical specialists performing the procedure.”        

What do Medical Professional in the United Kingdom Think?

Medical professionals in the United Kingdom are against the idea of these treatments being performed at Superdrug and claim they will be performed in an unprofessional setting. By offering these procedures in a drug store, many doctors say these treatments will be brought down to the same level as product being sold off the shelves. They are also afraid that patients will not take the possible side effects as seriously as they would at the office of a doctor.

One other big concern among medical professionals is whether or not Superdrug will be able to keep the treatment area hygienic and sterile in order to prevent infections after the injections. They also want to make sure the drug store chain follows the strict guidelines necessary to safely inject Botox and fillers. This includes having a consultation appointment with the patient before undergoing the treatment to make sure the person is an ideal candidate and will not suffer any sort of allergic reaction.

There are also some risks that patients should be aware of before having fillers or Botox injected into their bodies. Some of these complications include blindness, skin death and injecting the filler or Botox into a vein which can result in the injected material travelling to the heart.  If any of these complications happen, the patient might end up having to visit the office of a doctor to have the side effects reversed. This will cost them more money than they had originally planned on spending thanks to the fees charged by a hospital or medical facility.

Superdrug Responds

Representative for Superdrug say the plan for the Skin Renew service is in response to an increasing customer demand for cosmetic treatments in their stores. Superdrug also sponsors a reality TV show called “Love Island” and might be looking to take advantage of the demand of people wanting to achieve the look of the contestants on the reality show.

Caris Newson, who is the head of health and well-being services at Superdrug, told Metro News that “We’re listening to what people are telling us they would like which is the reassurance that, if they choose to have aesthetic treatments, it will be administered by highly qualified nurse practitioners in a private consultation room. Our minimum age for this service is currently 25 to ensure that, when supported by a full clinical consultation, our customers are able to make the best decisions about engaging in aesthetic treatments.”

In order to have the treatment in the store, Superdrug requires patients to book an appointment over the phone and have a consultation with a qualified nurse before undergoing the treatment. It is not known yet if the service will be located in only one store or if it will be expanded nationwide.

MA

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