Choosing Your Aesthetic Provider & What You Need To Look For
Selecting where you receive your aesthetic treatments, procedures, and products is a big decision. You want to make an educated choice, and not rush the process. The goal is to find someone you trust and can develop a long term relationship with.
The challenge is - you have a lot of choices of where to go and who to work with. Aesthetic treatments are growing in popularity, and many people want to offer these services. Unfortunately, not all aesthetic providers are the same. And just because an establishment advertises discounted prices does not mean it’s a deal you want.
I want to share how we operate at Polished MedSpa, and the things that you need to consider prior to selecting your aesthetic provider.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
As many of you may know, I am a doctoral prepared nurse practitioner (DNP) – which is the highest level of education you can achieve as an RN. A nurse practitioner is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has completed additional training and education in a speciality area of medicine. As an NP with this advanced training, I have more autonomy and authority than an RN, with a scope of practice similar to a physician.
NP’s are able to conduct physical examinations, prescribe medications, diagnose illness, and provide medical treatments.
As an aesthetic provider, I also attend as many trainings (currently virtual) as often as possible to keep up with the latest trends and aesthetic techniques.
Why is this important for you?
You have many options when selecting someone for your aesthetic treatments. Most legitimate aesthetic providers are RNs who have undergone extensive education and training in these procedures. Unfortunately, there are people who offer seemingly similar services, without the credentials, training, or even ethical or legal authority to provide these services.
This is why you need to research and be cautious of the reputation and credibility of the professional you choose for aesthetic treatments.
The professional providing your treatments is even more important to consider than the treatments and services you’re receiving. You should put just as much thought and research into the aesthetic provider you work with as you do with any other medical provider you see.
Medical Grade Treatments
Another aspect to consider is whether the treatments you’re receiving have approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Equipment and products that are approved by the FDA demonstrate safety and effectiveness, based on clinical studies and trials. This ensures the treatments meet industry safety standards.
How do you know if a treatment you’re getting is FDA approved?
You can ask! The provider you’re working with should know this information. And odds are, if you’re working with a credentialed, professional aesthetic provider - you will be getting high quality, safe, and effective treatment that is FDA approved.
It’s also important to know that medical grade or prescription grade products and treatment should only be administered by a medical professional. They are usually dispensed under a provider’s recommendation. So no, you should not be buying your Botox online.
Balancing Cost vs Value
I get it – we all love a good deal. And I do too! But when it comes to your appearance, health, and well-being - finding the cheapest product or treatment is just not worth it. Aesthetic treatments are medical procedures that require extensive knowledge, training, and technique.
The skill required for safe, amazing results comes with a price tag. If you find an aesthetic provider that offers treatments or products at a fraction of the cost as other med spas, that should be a red flag for you! If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is. It’s said time and time again – but, you get what you pay for!
A great example of this is the new treatment I’m offering -EMSCULPT. This device for fat reduction and muscle gain is FDA-approved and has clinical trials to back up it’s effectiveness. I am able to share results from these trials, show pictures, and explain the science behind why it works.
Unfortunately, there are imitators out there that claim similar results, at a much smaller price tag. These knock-off devices have similar names and promise results – but don’t come with the same technology, effectiveness, or safety standards as the real deal.
Another example? You all know how much I love Microneedling with PRF. This is a medical grade treatment that involves drawing your blood and using medical equipment to separate out your plasma. The plasma is injected back into your scalp for hair growth and rejuvenation, or face to help reduce signs of aging.
Other establishments that are not legitimate medspas don’t have the equipment, skills, or training to provide this treatment to the extent that I do. They can’t use PRF and the length of the needles are not medical-grade or effective. This means you’re not getting the results that you could otherwise achieve with a professional, credentialed provider.
Safety Considerations
You are putting your safety, appearance, and overall health on the line when working with an aesthetic provider. While these treatments are low-risk and very safe, with any medical procedure there needs to be an awareness of potential risks and how to respond.
As a Nurse Practitioner, I have the medical background, advanced training, and experience that allows me to immediately treat adverse events or issues – in the rare circumstance that they should occur. You want to put your face and body into the hands of someone who is equipped to handle any potential reaction or abnormal result.
I hope this information was helpful to you as you think about where you want to go for your aesthetic treatments. Here at Polished MedSpa, I don’t offer treatments, services, or products that I don’t believe in – or don’t personally use on myself. This shows my confidence in the services that I provide.
You can book an appointment with me today to learn more about our services and what we offer!
XO, Lauren