Beyond The Procedure: Navigating Assessment, Ethics & Standards in Aesthetic Medicine
- Rebecca Warhurst
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
Why Are More People Choosing Aesthetic Treatments?
Let's be honest - the demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures is absolutely booming right now. Research shows that demand for aesthetic treatments continues to increase year on year, and I see this first-hand in my clinic every day. Whether it's a subtle refresh with botulinum toxin or addressing specific skin concerns, more people are discovering that these treatments can improve how they feel about themselves.
But here's the thing: these treatments are not a "need" they are a "want" and while these treatments can be life-enhancing, they're not life-saving. That's why it's crucial to work with qualified professionals who understand how to weight "risk vs benefit" and prioritise your wellbeing over everything else regardless of how much you might want something.
It's Not Just About Looking Good - It's About Feeling Good
We know that how we feel about our appearance can significantly impact our quality of life, and there's solid research backing this up. Studies have shown that feelings about appearance can genuinely affect our overall wellbeing and confidence levels.
However, as an aesthetic practitioner, I also need to be mindful that sometimes people seek treatments for deeper reasons. Recent research has found an association between high levels of stress and an increased likelihood to seek aesthetic treatments. Given that The World Health Organisation has identified stress as a top global health concern, it is highly likely that the affected individuals will present in my clinic. This is why understanding your motivations is such an important part of what I do.
The Importance of Proper Assessment
One thing that might surprise you is how much goes into a proper aesthetic
consultation with a good practitioner. It's not just about "what do you want done?" - though your goals are of course important. Research in aesthetic medicine emphasises the need for healthcare professionals to recognise the complex psychological factors that influence a patient's decision to seek treatment.
During our consultation, I need to consider your overall health and medical history, your expectations and motivations, and whether you're in the right headspace for treatment. Sometimes, the best treatment plan is actually waiting or exploring other options first, and I'll always be honest about this with you.
There's also the important matter of screening for conditions like Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Studies have revealed that outcomes are often poor for patients with BDD who undergo aesthetic treatments, typically resulting in dissatisfaction with results or worsening symptoms. That's why NICE guidelines recommend that healthcare professionals routinely consider and explore the possibility of BDD when someone is seeking cosmetic procedures.
Safety First - Always
The aesthetic industry has grown incredibly fast, and unfortunately, regulation hasn't kept pace. As far back as 2013, Sir Bruce Keogh's government-commissioned review made it clear that rapid growth of the industry had resulted in an unregulated situation that needed addressing. Twelve years later, very little has changed, which is why choosing the right practitioner is so crucial.
When you're looking for an aesthetic practitioner, you want someone who is a qualified, registered healthcare professional with proper training and professional indemnity insurance. You also want transparency about pricing - research suggests that some practitioners unfortunately bring the profession into disrepute by enticing patients with retail-style offers and discounts, which should be a red flag. If the deal seems to good to be true (or of a high standard), it probably is!
The Ethics of Aesthetic Medicine
Here's something I think about a lot: the balance between helping people achieve
their aesthetic goals and ensuring I'm not causing harm. Every treatment decision should be based on what's genuinely best for you, not what's most profitable for the clinic.
NICE guidelines state that when prescribing medicines, benefit must be considered against risk and should only be prescribed when necessary. This raises important questions about the ethics of prescribing for aesthetics, since there's often no clinical need. That's why I apply extra vigilance to all my prescribing decisions, ensuring that any potential benefits truly outweigh the risks for each individual patient.
The inherent tension between commercial interests and patient welfare is something that's been highlighted in professional literature. As an aesthetic nurse, I have to recognise any potential conflicts of interest and ensure that your wellbeing is always my top priority, not financial considerations.
What About Remote Consultations?
This is a hot topic in our industry right now. While technology has made healthcare more accessible in many ways, there are real concerns about remote prescribing for cosmetic treatments. Professional bodies other than the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) - the General Medical Council, General Dental Council and General Pharmaceutical Council - have been clear for some time in not endorsing remote prescribing for cosmetic purposes, and since 1st June 2025 the NMC have strengthened their stance on this matter in line with this guidance.
Years ago, as video technology started making its way into remote consultations, researchers argued that proper physical assessment of the skin was unreliable through a screen, and that in an area of practice where non-verbal cues are so important, remote consultation might not be appropriate for aesthetic treatments. I tend to agree with this perspective - physical assessment is often crucial for aesthetic treatments, and I need to see your skin, understand your anatomy, and pick up on those important non-verbal cues during our consultation.
The Professional Standards I Follow
As a registered nurse and independent prescriber, I'm bound by strict professional standards and codes of conduct. This isn't just bureaucracy - it's your protection. I have to keep my skills and knowledge up to date, follow evidence-based practices, maintain professional boundaries, put your interests first, and be accountable for all my decisions.
I also follow the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Competency Framework for all Prescribers, which the NMC has adopted for nurse prescribers. Additionally, I adhere to guidelines from professional organisations like the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners and the Aesthetics Complications Experts Group, which work to establish best practices in our field.
Looking to the Future
The aesthetic industry is evolving rapidly, and I'm hopeful that better regulation is
coming. The government launched a consultation into unregulated cosmetic procedures in 2023, though the outcome is still under development. In the meantime, I'm committed to maintaining the highest standards through continuous professional development, following best practice guidelines, staying informed about new regulations, and prioritising patient safety above all else.
My Commitment to You
At the end of the day, my job is to help you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin - literally. This means taking the time to really understand your goals, providing honest and evidence-based advice, never pressuring you into treatments, supporting you throughout your journey, and being available for any concerns or questions you might have.
Research shows that building a relationship founded on trust is integral to successful care and patient satisfaction, and it's actually a regulatory requirement too. That's why I believe in spending proper time with each patient, understanding not just what you want to achieve, but why it's important to you.
The Bottom Line
Aesthetic treatments can be wonderful when done properly, by qualified professionals, for the right reasons. But they're not suitable for everyone, and that's okay too. Studies have shown that those having cosmetic interventions are often vulnerable, which is why careful assessment and honest communication are so important.
If you're considering any aesthetic treatment, take your time, do your research, and choose a practitioner who puts your wellbeing first. You deserve nothing less, and that's exactly what I aim to provide in my practice.
Want to learn more about my approach to aesthetic treatments? Book a consultation to discuss your goals and concerns in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. I'm here to help you make informed decisions about your skin health and aesthetic goals.
Rebecca, Registered Nurse & Independent Prescriber.
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