Overcoming the fear of causing complications
Overcoming the fear of causing complications can be a crucial part in new aesthetics practitioners’ journeys.
You may have seen our recent interview on this with Harley Academy founder and creator of the Level 7 in Injectables, Dr Tristan Mehta.
Dr Tristan explained the mindset needed to confidently approach treatment and why you should not let the fear of causing complications affect your practice. You can watch his video on this, below.
Following on from this, we spoke to cosmetic doctor, clinic owner and clinical trainer, Dr Jaymi Lad, for further insights and some practical tips...
IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, HOW DO THE RISK IN AESTHETICS PRACTICE COMPARE TO THE RISK IN OTHER MEDICAL FIELDS?
“There are very few medical emergencies in aesthetics and they are very rare,” states Dr Jaymi. “The only real life-threatening complication related to aesthetic practice is anaphylaxis. Again, this is very rare and practitioners may have experience managing this from their medical practice.”
“Often practitioners worry about complications more in aesthetics because long-term sequelae can result, affecting the appearance,” she notes.
Adding, “There are often anxieties related to the fact that most practitioners work alone and rarely is there anyone available to supervise or double check management of concerns with.”
HOW OFTEN DO YOU EXPERIENCE COMPLICATIONS?
“It’s extremely rare that I face a complication following treatment in aesthetic practice,” confirms Dr Jaymi.
She advises that, just in case any issues do arise, she always makes sure she is “available and in the country after a clinic” for a couple of days. Or, alternatively, has a trusted colleague available for care.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COMPLICATION AND A SIDE EFFECT?
Dr Jaymi clarifies, “A side effect is an undesired, but not uncommon or unexpected, effect of a treatment or medication. A complication is a rarer outcome, which is not expected to occur from treatment or a medicine administration.”
HOW CAN AESTHETICS PRACTITIONERS MINIMISE THE MOST COMMON RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INJECTABLES?
These are Dr Jaymi’s top tips…
1. Learn your anatomy
2. Perform a thorough medical consultation to highlight any patient factors that may increase the risk of complications
3. Use slow, low pressure injection technique with fillers
4. Administer low volumes of appropriate product in a single bolus or linear thread with fillers
5. Always do your utmost to ensure aseptic technique has been used.
HOW CAN INJECTORS BUILD THEIR CONFIDENCE AND IMPROVE THEIR APPROACH TO WHAT CAN SEEM A "HIGH RISK" SECTOR?
Dr Jaymi recommends you…
1. Build a local support network or know who you can approach in the event of an emergency
2. Learn your complication management well and print out guidelines which are easily accessible in your clinic space
3. Stay up to date with your skills, education and complication management
4. Consider mentoring as working under supervision can help to alleviate anxieties and build confidence in more autonomous practice.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF CAUSING COMPLICATIONS AND AVOIDING CATASTROPHIZING?
These are the three key steps Dr Jaymi suggests you take…
1. Practice within your competencies and skills
2. Prepare well and keep up-to-date with skills and training
3. Plan your treatments in advance. “If you are particularly nervous, I think it helps to have a written copy of your complications treatment plan in the clinic room,” she notes.
She adds, “Remember that complications can happen to even the most experienced injectors. It’s your approach to their prevention, diagnosis and management that needs to be sound. Do not let the fear of complications overwhelm you.”
FURTHER ADVICE AND HANDS-ON INJECTABLES TRAINING
If you find these expert insights helpful, you may also benefit from reading our article on Overcoming the Fear of Injecting. This interview with our director of education and highly experienced aesthetics specialist, Dr Kalpna Pindolia – who is also a qualified life coach – is packed with great advice.
Dedicated one-to-one mentoring is one of the most effective – and enjoyable! – ways to learn. Not only does it provide laser focused personal attention, but it also provides the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
This is why mentoring forms a large and crucial part of our industry-leading, Ofqual-regulated Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers course.
For those of you who are licensed cosmetic doctors, dentists or nurses wanting to explore more hands-on learning, check out our 1:1 Injectables Training.
These highly-targeted mentoring sessions allow you to hone your skills in specific areas as you treat your own patient under the guidance of one of our expert clinical trainers. This one-to-one learning is tailored to your specific skill level and creates the perfect learning environment to enhance your treatment approach and build your confidence.
To discuss the best aesthetics training course for you, book a call with Christine Slater, who can provide personalised recommendations.
Are you feeling more confident about the possibility of complications, now? Or do you at least feel like you have a plan for how you can get to this place? Let us know by leaving a comment on the Harley Academy Instagram account.
All information correct at the time of publication.
