Why medical training matters when it comes to aesthetic treatments

Dr Cathrow is YourGP’s Clinic Lead and has extensive experience as a GP. Her range of qualifications is impressive – you need only look at the ream of postnominals after her name – FRCGP, BSc (Hons), MBChB (Edinburgh, 2004), DRCOG, DFSRH, LoC (Coils and Implants), DGM, DPD, DCH, MScPD, CMA, PGDip Aesthetic Injectables, Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at Edinburgh University Medical School! So it is no wonder that so many people seeking aesthetic treatments trust Dr Cathrow’s opinion and approach. We sat down with Dr Cathrow to delve deeper into the aesthetics industry. Here she explains why patients should choose their clinic carefully and why a medical background is an absolute must.

What qualifications and experience do you have in aesthetics?

First of all, I have a medical degree, which is important as it means I have a formal medical qualification and I am registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). I also gained a diploma in Dermatology with a high grade which gained me admittance to a Masters programme. I achieved my MSc in Dermatology with distinction shortly after. These qualifications have translated nicely over to aesthetics, and I started aesthetic practice in 2016. Last year, I completed my Level 7 Diploma in Aesthetic Injectables with the Harley Academy in London. This is the highest recognised qualification in medical aesthetics in the UK. And I am registered with the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) which strives to improve governance and practice of aesthetic medicine.

How do you keep up with the latest developments in the aesthetic industry?

Aesthetics is a fast moving specialty and keeping up to date is incredibly important. I am a member of a UK-wide group of aesthetic practitioners who share experience regularly. We receive weekly updates on all things new and important in aesthetics. The group also has access to continuing education – a mix of in-person conferences and online demonstrations and lectures about the latest aesthetic treatments.

How does your medical background give you an advantage over high street beauty clinics offering aesthetic treatments?

As a doctor, I am regulated by the GMC. This means that patients can rest assured that they are being treated by a practitioner who is accountable to a governing body. There is no similar governing body covering those who practise without a professional health care qualification. I have in-depth knowledge of the human body, anatomy, treatment actions and complication management.

What are the biggest risks of getting an aesthetic treatment somewhere where the staff are not medically trained?

Getting aesthetic treatments from a practitioner who does not hold a professional health care qualification is extremely risky as they will not have the same knowledge, experience or accountability as an appropriately qualified practitioner. I have been a doctor for 20 years now and practising aesthetics for 8 years. The combination of professional experience alongside continuous learning and refreshing of skills means that I can offer a safe and comfortable clinical experience to my patients.

Have you ever had to correct a procedure carried out by someone who was not medically trained?

Yes. I have had patients attend to have complications corrected. This is usually an extremely worrying time for patients. Most non-qualified practitioners offering filler treatment will not know or be able to obtain the medication that is used to reverse/dissolve filler. The products used are prescription only medicines and come with their own risks so need to be administered in a controlled environment. Other complications require steroid medication or antibiotics – again, these can only be prescribed by an appropriately qualified practitioner. We have also seen an upsurge in patients wishing to ‘tone down’ the look that they have received elsewhere as the current trend for a more natural look continues. Here at YourGP, we are experienced in delivering natural, elegant results.

What advice would you give to someone considering getting an aesthetic treatment for the first time?

Definitely do your homework when choosing a practitioner. Choose a clinic that employs appropriately qualified staff. Look for someone who has a formal qualification and not simply a one-day course of training. Experience is key and an understanding of how products will work for individuals is important – you will get a feel for a practitioner’s skills when you speak to them about possible treatments. I would always recommend having a consultation with a practitioner first. Here at YourGP, we offer no-obligation initial appointments for aesthetics – these are free of charge and give you a chance to meet our practitioners to discuss your concerns and options.

Whilst in the past many people were quite secretive about “having work done”, do you think times have changed? Are we as a society now more open about aesthetic treatments?

Times are certainly changing and people are generally much more open about having aesthetic treatments and letting others know about them. However, we at YourGP offer extremely discrete treatment in our clinics, so there is the option to keep things under wraps if this is preferred.

Aesthetic treatments can obviously change the way a person looks, but do you think they can also impact how a person feels too?

Most people seeking out aesthetic treatment will be looking to rejuvenate or enhance their looks in order to improve their general wellbeing, so there is a definite link. Making the best of our natural features will always improve how we feel about ourselves. YourGP also offers treatments that can significantly reduce sweating which has an excellent impact on our patients who struggle with hyperhidrosis. We can offer treatment for conditions such as migraine too – another health concern that can be disabling. Through treatment, general wellbeing can be greatly improved.

What are the most common treatments you offer at YourGP?

Our most popular treatments are definitely anti-wrinkle treatment and filler augmentations. We also offer skin treatments with Skinboosters.

What do you think sets YourGP apart from other aesthetic treatment providers?

Our aesthetic practitioners are all fully qualified General Practitioners who have years of medical experience. Combined with their special interest in aesthetics, this makes for an experienced doctor that you can trust to take you through the process of aesthetic treatments safely and comfortably.

Book your free consultation with Dr Cathrow today

If you’re currently considering getting an aesthetic treatment and you would like to chat to Dr Cathrow about your options, book a consultation using our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.