HOW TO CHOOSE A COSMETIC MEDICINE PRACTITIONER
Cosmetic procedures are elective procedures that revise or change the appearance, colour, texture, structure, or position of normal bodily features, with the intention of improving the patient’s appearance and therefore self-esteem. So after you have made the decision to have a procedure how do you choose where to go? In New Zealand both Doctors and Nurses are able to perform cosmetic procedures.
COSMETIC MEDICINE DOCTORS
If you choose to see a Doctor you should check that they are a member of the NZSCM. NZSCM is the New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine and is the only organisation recognised by the Medical Council of New Zealand to regulate and train doctors in Cosmetic Medicine. Members undertake a comprehensive 2-year diploma in Cosmetic Medicine and are recertified every three years.
COSMETIC MEDICINE NURSES
If you choose to see a Nurse you can check if they are a member of CANN. CANN (Cosmetic Appearance Nurses Network) is the leading professional body for Cosmetic Nurses in New Zealand and supports its member to deliver high quality services safely and ethically, while also providing education, training pathways, advocacy, and support. Members of CANN are qualified registered nurses and adhere to CANN’s strict code of conduct. These governing bodies enforce a code of conduct and require members to complete continuing professional development annually. Both the NZSCM and CANN also lobby for better regulation to protect the public and provide education to patients through their social media and websites.
At Clinic 42 all our Doctors are members or NZSCM and while our Nurses work under Doctor supervision we still encourage them to join CANN.
After 20 years in practice most of our patients come to us from word of mouth, but we understand that not everyone is comfortable talking openly about their Cosmetic Medicine experiences.
If you are contemplating having a Cosmetic Procedure don’t be tempted to choose a clinic based solely on their before and after photos, but make sure you feel comfortable with the practitioner and that they are happy to answer all your questions:
How long have you been practicing Cosmetic Medicine?
What governing body do you belong to?
How often do you perform this treatment?
If there was a side effect, from the treatment I am having, how would you handle that?
There should never be any pressure to have a treatment, at Clinic 42 we often require new patients to undertake a consult before treating. This gives them time to go home read through the information provided, consider the outcome and possible side effects.
Members of NZSCM and CANN also tend to refer patients on, if they are unfamiliar with the treatment requested, or feel a colleague could achieve a better outcome.
At Clinic 42 we believe that patient trust is what builds a longterm practice.
