A 10-Point Safety Checklist for Choosing a Clinic and Doctor for Medical Aesthetics

Why is a checklist needed?

Procedures such as filler, botulinum toxin, PRP or laser can be quick and short; this can make them seem like “beauty treatments”. In fact, these are medical procedures performed using medicines or medical devices. Although uncommon, serious complications have been reported, such as tissue damage due to vascular occlusion, loss of vision, infection and severe allergic reactions.

A significant part of these risks depends on who performs the procedure, where, with which product, and how quickly action can be taken if a problem arises. The 10 points below have been prepared to help you review these issues before making a decision.

1. Who is performing the treatment?

In Turkey, these matters are regulated by the Ministry of Health; the treatment must be performed by a doctor and in a licensed healthcare facility. Do not hesitate to ask the name and title of the person who will perform the procedure. Meeting the doctor in person before the procedure, describing your medical history and asking your questions are part of the assessment.

2. Where is it being done?

Sterilisation, record-keeping and emergency preparedness are part of safe practice. You can ask whether the facility is a licensed healthcare facility.

3. Which product is being used?

Before the treatment, you may want to see the product’s sealed packaging, label, expiry date and lot number. Ask whether the product name and lot number are recorded in your file and whether you can receive a copy. Products sold directly to the public or of unknown origin may be counterfeit, contaminated or not stored under proper conditions.

4. Written informed consent

Informed consent is not just a form to be signed; the purpose of the procedure, the expected results, possible side effects, rare but serious complications and the alternatives should be explained to you in plain language. You should be given time to read it, and your questions should be answered.

5. Whom will you contact after the procedure?

Some complications appear hours after the procedure. With symptoms such as whitening of the skin, a purplish change in colour, steadily increasing pain or a change in vision, time is very important. For this reason, it is important to find out before the procedure whom you will contact and how, including at night or at weekends.

6. Emergency preparedness

In situations such as vascular occlusion caused by hyaluronic acid fillers, rapid intervention with an enzyme used to dissolve the filler may be needed. Emergency medicines must also be at hand for severe allergic reactions. Asking whether these medicines and equipment are available at the clinic is an appropriate and reasonable question.

7. Realistic expectations and being able to say “no”

Not every procedure is suitable for every person. A good assessment explains clearly what the procedure can offer you and what it cannot do. Recommending, when necessary, to postpone the procedure, to refer you to another specialist or not to do it at all is also part of good medical practice.

8. No pressure and no haste

Time-limited offers, discount pressure or a “decide now” approach are not appropriate for a health-related decision. After the examination, there should be time to think and, if needed, to get a second opinion.

9. Follow-up appointment

Follow-up after the procedure is important for assessing the result and noticing possible early problems. When and by whom the follow-up will be done should be discussed before the procedure.

10. Your records

Records containing the product used, lot number, amount and treatment areas are information about your health. Asking whether you can receive a copy of them will be useful if you later see another doctor or develop a side effect.

Injections at home, at the hairdresser or via social media: why are they risky?

In treatments at home parties, at hairdressers and beauty salons, or “home visit” treatments arranged through social media, sterile conditions, product reliability and the possibility of emergency intervention usually cannot be ensured. It is unclear who the injector is, which product they use and whether they will be reachable if a problem arises.

• Products may be counterfeit, contaminated or not stored at the right temperature.
• Medicines and equipment for emergencies such as vascular occlusion may not be available.
• Because no records are kept, it may not be possible to know later which product was used.
• Self-injection and needle-free injection devices are similarly risky.

If you cannot reach your doctor, go to the nearest emergency department. Unless your doctor advises it, do not massage the area or apply heat or ice.

This list is for general information; no single item on its own proves the competence of a clinic or a doctor. Its purpose is to help you ask the right questions for a sound decision.