A Guide for People Having Medical Aesthetics for the First Time

Ask yourself before you decide

Medical aesthetic procedures cover treatments that are non-surgical or require only very limited intervention; for example botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid filler or some skin treatments. Being “non-surgical” does not mean they are trivial. Each one is a medical procedure with its own risks.

Before making a decision, it can help to ask yourself these questions:

• What exactly do I want to change? Can I describe it in one sentence?
• How long have I been thinking about this? Did it just occur to me, or have I wanted it for a long time?
• Am I making this decision for myself, or are other people's comments or social media influencing me?
• Am I hoping this procedure will solve another problem in my life?
• If the effect is temporary, can I make time for regular repeats and check-ups?

There is no “right” answer to these questions. But your answers will clarify both your own decision and the conversation you will have with your doctor.

Realistic expectations: what can procedures do, and what can they not do?

Medical aesthetic procedures can soften or improve a specific concern. But they do not change your face or who you are. Images you see on social media are often filtered, edited or taken in carefully chosen lighting; comparing your own result with them can lead to disappointment.

• Results vary from person to person; the same procedure can look different on two people.
• The effect of many procedures is temporary and needs repeating to be maintained.
• It can take days or weeks for the full result to be seen.
• No procedure is risk-free; although side effects are usually mild and temporary, serious problems can rarely occur.

Choosing a doctor and a place for the procedure

One of the first steps is deciding who will perform the procedure and where. Medical aesthetic treatments require an examination, the correct indication, and the knowledge to manage possible complications. In Turkey, these matters are regulated by the Ministry of Health; the procedure must be performed by a doctor in a licensed healthcare facility.

It is advisable to stay away from treatments carried out in places that are not healthcare facilities, such as homes, hotel rooms or beauty salons, from offers that rush you such as “today only”, and from promotions run solely through social media. A detailed list of what you can check when choosing a doctor and clinic is in a separate article in our safety section.

The consultation: what should happen?

A good consultation is not just a meeting where the procedure is described. It is one where the doctor listens to you, assesses you and, if necessary, can say “this procedure is not suitable for you”.

1. You explain what you want and why you want it.
2. The doctor asks about your medical history, the medicines you take, your allergies and any previous procedures.
3. The relevant area is examined; whether the procedure is suitable for you is assessed.
4. If suitable, the procedure, the expected result, possible side effects and alternatives (including doing nothing) are explained.
5. You ask your questions; if you need time to decide, you say so.

In some cases it is possible to have the consultation and the procedure on the same day; however, if you are undecided, there is nothing wrong with asking for time to think. If you feel under pressure, there is nothing wrong with postponing the procedure.

Informed consent

Before the procedure you will be given a consent form. This form is not a formality; it shows that you understand what the procedure is, its possible risks, its alternatives and what you need to watch out for afterwards.

• Read the form before signing it; ask about any terms you do not understand.
• You can ask about the active ingredient of the product to be used and whether it is licensed.
• If something is bothering you before the procedure begins, or you want to change your mind, tell your doctor clearly.
• Ask whether you can have a copy of the consent form and the procedure details.

After the procedure

Following the aftercare instructions you are given affects both the result and your safety. Mild redness, swelling or bruising are expected and usually temporary with many procedures. It may be too early to judge the result in the first days; if your doctor has recommended a follow-up appointment, do not skip it.

If you notice something that does not seem normal to you, contact the doctor who performed the procedure instead of looking for answers on social media or forums. That is why it is important to find out before the procedure whom to contact, and how, if there is a problem.

Unless your doctor advises it, do not massage the area or apply heat or ice.

Emotional readiness: when should you take a step back?

Wanting to change something about your appearance is a very common and understandable feeling. Even so, in some situations it may be better to postpone the decision for a while and give yourself time first:

• If thoughts about your appearance take up a large part of your day or noticeably upset you
• If you look in the mirror very often or avoid mirrors completely
• If you were not satisfied with previous procedures and keep looking for a new one
• If a small detail that others do not notice has become a great source of distress for you
• If you are going through a difficult period such as grief, a break-up or intense stress

These situations do not mean a diagnosis. But talking about them openly with your doctor helps you find the right step for you together. Sometimes the support needed is not a procedure but a conversation with a mental health professional. If you are being treated for a mental health condition, it is advisable to tell the doctor who will perform the aesthetic procedure as well.

A final word

During your first medical aesthetic experience, not rushing, asking questions and being able to stop the moment you do not feel comfortable are your most important safeguards. The decision is always yours; a good doctor helps you make it with information.