Medical aesthetic procedures are becoming so popular in Malaysia, with the number of aesthetic clinics in the country increasing at least seven-fold in the past 10 years. Everybody wants to maintain their youthful looks or be more physically attractive.

Many patients often find it difficult to choose a suitable doctor/clinic and/or to obtain independent, trustworthy information about the risks involved with treatments.

We want to protect and educate patients. A cautious and well-informed mindset applies to the increasingly popular, less invasive medical aesthetic procedures. With this in mind, we would like to explain the common mistakes people make when it comes to aesthetic treatments.

Mistake 1: Making decisions based on cost

There is nothing wrong in trying to get value for your money, but when it comes to aesthetics, the saying “buy cheap pay twice” really does hold true. As a rule, no true professional aesthetic doctor would cut corners and advertise their services on voucher sites. Not only does this breach advertising guidelines set by The Ministry of Health, but it also should make you wonder how good this doctor is if the only way to gain customers is via competing with cost and not the best way, which is demonstrating good and safe results – something you ultimately want.

Mistake 2: Acting on impulse

With many of the botched cases we have seen, a big number of patients share similar personality traits. Many (although, not all) tend to be impulsive or impatient by nature and pick treatments without thinking them through or doing their research. Classic examples include; “my friend was having hers done and the doctor said I can have half off if I have it with her there and then.”

Always be patient. Take time to have a cooling off period with any consultation. And do your research, and this leading to the next point.

Mistake 3: Not investing enough time and money in research

Before any treatment, you should really take time and invest in consultations with multiple practitioners rather than just choosing what is most convenient. See their qualifications, results and, most importantly, ask what happens if it all goes wrong as there is no such thing as risk-free procedures/treatments. If you are happy with all above and gain a good rapport, it is a good basis to start a treatment process with your selected clinic/practitioner, and will set the tone for things to come.

Mistake 4: Choosing a non-clinical environment

These are clinical treatments and should be performed within a clinical environment. Infection risk is much higher within salons and non-clinic environments, like your own home. Also on the rare occasion things can go wrong, e.g. allergy/adverse reactions, you need to be in the correct environment where these can be treated effectively and safely.

Mistake 5: Thinking there is no such thing as risk-free treatment

At the end of the day, these are not lifesaving treatments. They are wants and with those wants do come real risks. Many patients we have seen for corrective treatments have told us they thought nothing would go wrong. The risks are rare, especially under a well-trained aesthetic practitioner, but they are still real. Only when you fully understand this and accept this should you ever give consent.

Josh Chua of Clique Clinic shares his 5-year experience and thoughts dealing with patients and friends who are pursuing aesthetic treatments. For more information on the aesthetic treatments, please visit Aesthetic Treatments