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Recovery can be a taboo topic in the cash based medical aesthetics world. The line between preparing patients for treatment recovery and terrifying them is fine. Let's face it, no one needs medical aesthetics. It has so many benefits; a confidence boost, some studies claim improved mental health, and better skin health to name a few. Silicon Valley executives credit medical aesthetics with keeping their appearance on par with the young tech bros in the youthful office culture. How much pain are patients really willing to go through for a leg up? The answer depends on the person. When practices are booking treatments, minimizing pain is an important part of booking treatments and keeping the office doors open.
As we transition from the sunny summer to cozy fall, 'Back to School, Back to Beauty' promotions start to pop up on Instagram feeds. These promotions are packages of lasers and peels to strip away summer's freckles and boost collagen lost to free radical damage. They're often described as virtually painless with little to no social downtime. I thought as we slide into fall, I could help translate some of the recovery verbiage. Grab your notepad with 'Thank Gourd It's Fall' on the cover and a PSL…here's a dictionary to a few common recovery terms.
Social Downtime: (n), the amount of time a treatment will keep patients from social activities.
Downtime: (n), the amount of time patients will be unable to perform normal activities.
Translation: It's so dependent on the person saying the word AND the person receiving the treatment. A perfect example is filler injections. Some patients feel no shame going to dinner with swelling and bruising. Other's hate it and will avoid other people for two weeks. Some patients have very little pain. Other's can't eat soup for a week after getting their lips done.
Slight Swelling: (adj.), term used to describe the swelling from an injectable treatment.
Translation: You're going to swell, and depending on how much wine you drink, it could be a little or it could be a lot.
Little Pinch: (adj.), term used to describe a needle prick.
Translation: How are you with needles? There's your answer.
Numbing: (n, v), a topical or injection that numbs the treated area.
Translation: Numbing can be very effective or barely effective depending on what products are being used. Numbing products can be a cream, injection, or pain old ice. Some fillers contain lidocaine in the gel that numbs the injection site internally once injected.
Slight Burning: (adj.), term used to describe pain
Similar: tingle, small sensation, spicy, little ouch
Translation: It's going to hurt, and depending on your pain tolerance, it could be a little or a lot.
The best way to fully understand what a treatment's recovery will entail is by asking specific questions.
When you say social downtime, what does that mean to you? What have other patient's said?
Do you have photos of patients recovery process from this treatment?
Do you have any patient testimonials on this treatment?
What type of numbing agent do you use?
You mentioned the laser would cause redness and peeling? How many days will that last?
The more detailed the better. Providers appreciate interested patients, and will often open up about the reality of the recovery. These treatments, though not medically necessary, are still medical treatments. They can be painful and require recovery, but if you really want to improve a part of your appearance, they are worth it. I'm finishing up a month of recovery post lipo. It was brutal and I underestimated the length and severity of the recovery. Was it worth it, you ask? Oh boy. Yes. I'll be sharing my story with my medical practice in a few months. Stay tuned.
Xo,
Jen