Aesthetician and Medical Aesthetic Doctor: What’s the Difference?
While skin care and beauty enhancement treatments are at the forefront of both, the biggest difference between an aesthetician and a medical aesthetic doctor is the qualification and training they underwent. Is it important to know this? The obvious answer to this is, yes. You should always learn about the qualification of the person who is going to treat your skin. Mistakes made by inexperienced or poorly trained practitioners can damage your skin. It may even leave permanent scars on your face. Hence, knowing when to skip the spa and go to a certified aesthetic clinic is important.
Aesthetician and Medical Aesthetic Doctor | Difference in Training
The most obvious difference between a medical aesthetic doctor and an aesthetician is training. Medical aesthetic doctors, also known as aesthetic physicians are medical doctors who attended and graduated from medical university. After graduation, they undergo the basic medical training before venturing into more specialised training in the field of Medical Aesthetic Medicine. In Malaysia, a doctor is required to obtain Letter of Credentialing and Privilleging (LCP) certification from the Ministry of Health before they are allowed to perform medical aesthetic treatments independently. This means that they are serving you, with 10-12 years or more of advanced education and medical training under their belt.
Aestheticians, also commonly known in Malaysia as beauticians or beauty therapist are typically SPM leavers who undergo a short course that focuses on skin care, facials, and non-invasive beauty treatments. Although they might be great if you are looking for pampering facials treatments and massage. You should be caution with them when it comes to fixing skin related issues.
Aestheticians and Medical Aesthetic Doctors | How to Avoid Problems With Your Skin Treatments.
Consult a doctor first: In general, it is better to consult with a medical aesthetic doctor before having a procedure performed to be sure that what you are doing is healthy and would not harm your skin. It is alright to go the your beautician for a basic skin care facial. However if you are suffering from acne or you want to get some treatments for those wrinkles or skin pigmentations, a medical aesthetic doctor is the one you should be going to.
Skin problems need fixing? go to a clinic: If acne is troubling your skin, or you have hyper-pigmentations issues with you skin, you should be visiting a doctor instead of a beautician. Aesthetic doctors and Dermatologist have assess to various prescription-only medications and skincare solution. You can be assured that you get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Always look for a license: When you visit a clinic or a beauty centre, always look for a valid license. It is usually hanging on the wall. Never agree to cosmetic procedure done in hotel rooms. Never be afraid to ask about the qualification of the person giving you advice. For beauticians, look for a certificate from an aesthetician / beauty school. For medical aesthetic doctors, look for their medical degree, license to practice and Letter of Credential and Privileges for Medical Aesthetic.
Give your full medical history: It is important that your beauticians or aesthetic doctor knows about your medical history prior to any treatment. Some anti-aging skin treatment may contain salicylic acid, which may harm someone with aspirin allergy. If you are on blood thinning medications, your doctor may want to avoid doing injection to your face. If you have multiple health issues and is currently on multiple medications, it is better you go straight to a medical aesthetic doctor. They will be more well informed about these medical condition than a beauticians and would be able to advice you more appropriately.
Never experiment with you skin: Skincare products and treatment advertisement are everywhere and they often comes with fantastic claims. You can now easily buy a product or home treatment online, without having to meet someone for a proper consultation. It is important that we do not experiment with our skin by using various types of skincare and doing treatment prior to understanding the ingredients and science behind them. One wrong product or treatment can leave permanent scars for the rest of your life. Always consult a trained person prior to starting a product or treatment to minimise the risk of adverse reaction.
Aesthetician and Medical Aesthetic Doctor | Summary
In summary, its always better to be on the cautious side. Take time to understand about the procedure and the person who is doing the procedure for you. It’s your skin after-all, its always good to be a healthy skeptic.
Read more about Aesthetic Medicine in Malaysia and Learn about LCP
