The Top 5 FAQ’s
Understandably, I get asked A LOT of questions about treatments. Not only during the consultation, which is the most appropriate setting and time for these questions, but also at the gym, the grocery store, the carwash and on social media – not the most appropriate settings for these questions!
There is a general theme to the typical questions I get asked. Everybody wants to know if its going to hurt, if its going to break the bank and if its going to last.
I would say the most frequently asked questions are:
HOW MUCH??
As you may know from reading one of my previous blog posts the question of “how much?” is usually the number one question. As we enter an era of less regulation and pop up “medispas” the consumer has become very price conscious. Although it is absolutely reasonable to get quotes before a cosmetic procedure is performed it is risky to assume that cheaper means better. Pricing that is well below industry standard exists for a reason, and rather than asking “how much?” ask “why so cheap?”
Myself or my staff will discuss pricing at every consultation. It is highly recommended to ask this question during an in- person consultation as every face is different and requires different amounts than you may have seen on a social media post. If you are serious about getting a cosmetic procedure it is in your best interest to schedule a consultation and have your areas of concern properly assessed.
DOES IT HURT??
Discomfort is very, very subjective. What I find uncomfortable or painful may be a breeze to someone else and vice versa. It is no secret that every reasonable human being has an aversion to pain. At Skin Technique we use a variety of methods to make your experience as comfortable as possible. For my injectable procedures I will often use a proprietary numbing cream that is medical grade and can only be offered at a physician’s office. I make use of the Vibbrata device, which reduces discomfort by sending vibrating pulses to the nerve endings in the skin and interfering with pain receptors. I also see a significant reduction in discomfort with the regular application of ice prior to, during and after cosmetic procedures. Our latest gadget is the PRONOX system -short acting inhaled nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for a very blissful experience!
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
This question can be difficult to answer as we can only estimate the longevity of a product/treatment. We all metabolize products like botox and fillers at different rates. The answer will depend on the type of material used, the area that has been treated, the number of previous treatments done in the past and the prior response of the skin to treatments. For example, your first lip enhancement may only last 3-4 months. If you do a second treatment before the initial product has been metabolized then the results may last 6-12 months. Tear trough correction can last 1-2 years, while botox will last around 4-6 months. Once again, the best way to determine the longevity of a treatment is to have a thorough consultation with your treating physician and establish continuity of care with that physician.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
This is a very important question to ask your aesthetic physician. The risks of every procedure performed should be carefully outlined and explained before anyone gets near your face. In addition to this, the proper consent forms should be signed before a cosmetic procedure, which again explain the associated risks. If you are not given an official document to read and sign prior to your treatment then please proceed with caution. Fortunately we very rarely see any significant complications at Skin Technique. It is reasonable to expect some short-lived swelling or bruising at the injection sites. Follow-up care should always be offered by the treating physician to ensure that any potential adverse events can be properly managed.
DOES IT REALLY WORK?
The short answer to this question is YES. We do not offer any treatments that we don’t believe in or have not seen significant results from. The more important questions to ask is “Will it work for me?”
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a specific treatment. For example, if a patient has significant eye bags and is requesting tear trough correction I will not perform the procedure. Instead I will give that patient a recommendation to a good plastic surgeon. Similarly I will not offer PRP hair restoration to a completely bald person as the treatment relies on existing hair follicles. The reason why a lot of treatments don’t work is because they are not performed on the appropriate candidates. During your consultation the areas of concern will be carefully examined and a determination will be made if you will benefit from the procedure.
In my experience these are the top 5 most frequently asked questions. They are all equally important, and all share one thing in common – the answer to each question varies from person to person. The answers, just like you, are unique TO YOU.
Please do not underestimate the value of a consultation and examination prior to getting a treatment.