The Role of Cosmetic Improvement in Medicine: How Beauty Treatments Can Aid in Healing and Recovery

When hearing the word cosmetology or cosmetics, many associate it with makeup, hair-dos, and getting your nails done. However, little do many know that it can have a lot to do with the medical field in various ways and does wonders in aiding in healing and recovery for many patients. A number one goal for many is to look their best. However, there is only a certain amount that makeup and other beauty products can do. Cosmetic improvement stretches over a wide array of platforms, including medical. Keep reading to discover the role of cosmetics in medicine!

The Difference Between Cosmetology and Aesthetic Medicine

Cosmetology and aesthetic medicine are two related but distinct fields that enhance individuals’ appearance. While both focus on aesthetics, the approaches, scope of practice, and educational requirements differ.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences between cosmetology and aesthetic medicine:

1. Scope of Practice:

• Cosmetology: Cosmetology primarily involves beauty treatments and hair, skin, and nails services
• Aesthetic Medicine: Aesthetic medicine practitioners perform treatments like Botox injections, dermal fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, and other non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures.

2. Education and Training:

• Cosmetology: Cosmetologists typically complete a state-approved cosmetology program, which can vary in duration but generally lasts several months to a year.
• Aesthetic Medicine: Aesthetic medicine practitioners undergo extensive medical training and are licensed medical professionals who have a broader scope of practice compared to cosmetologists.

3. Procedures and Services:

• Cosmetology: Cosmetologists provide a range of beauty treatments, including hair styling, cutting, coloring, skin and nail care, facials, and makeup application.
• Aesthetic Medicine: Aesthetic medicine practitioners offer a wide range of non-surgical procedures and treatments to improve the appearance of individuals.

The Psychological Impact of Physical Appearance

The way we look at ourselves and our physical appearance has a strong effect on our mental and emotional well-being. For those dealing with medical conditions, whether it be chronic illnesses, injuries, or recovering from surgeries, the changes in their physical appearance can be extremely distressing and lead to decreased self-esteem and self-confidence. This negative self-perception can hinder the healing process and impede recovery. Additionally, some conditions, such as the signs of aging, while natural, can take a toll on patients. However, cosmetic enhancement treatments can also reverse the clock and improve the way we perceive ourselves.

Enhancing Physical Comfort and Functionality

While cosmetic improvement treatments are usually associated with aesthetic enhancements, they can also have practical benefits for patients. For instance, treatments following injuries or medical procedures aim to restore the appearance and improve physical function. Treatments address aesthetic concerns and contribute to the patient’s overall physical comfort and quality of life. By integrating cosmetic improvements into medical care, healthcare professionals can enhance the physical and psychological aspects of a patient’s well-being.

Restoring Confidence and Self-Esteem

Luckily, thanks to the constant advances in aesthetics and cosmetic improvement treatments, individuals have more and more options to choose from to improve the way they look, promoting healing and recovery. Cosmetic improvement procedures, such as dermatological treatments, scar revision, and non-invasive aesthetic procedures, allow patients to restore their confidence and self-esteem.

By addressing visible signs of medical conditions or procedures, these treatments can help individuals regain a sense of normality and enhance their overall psychological well-being. When patients feel more positive about their appearance, it can positively impact their mental state and motivate them to engage in activities that contribute to their recovery.

The Various Common Medical Aesthetic Treatments Patients Seek for an Improved Appearance

The way we perceive ourselves is extremely important, and while many people want to look their best, they are also looking for a way to do so without the need for surgery. Surgical interventions not only carry various risks with them, but they are an incredible option for those who want to skip long and painful recovery times and get almost immediate results. Here are some of the most common medical aesthetic treatments patients seek for an improved appearance:

Botox Injections

Botox injections have been around for decades and have gained an increasingly beneficial reputation for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The treatment involves an injection into specific facial muscles, causing them to relax and soften the appearance of wrinkles. Botox is commonly used on

• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet
• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Stress lines

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are very similar to botox and are injectable substances that help restore volume and fullness to various areas of the face, diminishing wrinkles and adding youthful contours. These fillers typically contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. They are used to:

• Plump lips
• Smooth out nasolabial folds
• Enhance cheekbones
• Among other conditions

In addition to targeting unwanted signs of aging, many dermal fillers that are being released also promote the natural production of collagen. This is a vital protein that provides structural support and strength to different parts of the body. As we age, the production of this protein slows down. However, dermal fillers can revitalize the natural production of it, giving patients increasingly better results as time goes by.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are non-invasive treatments that aim to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. While it does include the word “chemical” in its name, this is a completely safe and highly studied procedure. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing it to exfoliate and peel off. This reveals a fresh layer of skin underneath, which is usually smoother and less wrinkled. Chemical peels can address issues such as:

• Acne scars
• Uneven skin tone
• Sun damage
• Among others

Laser Hair Removal

When individuals are tired of endless shaving or waxing, laser hair removal provides an efficient, quick, and long-term solution. This unique treatment utilizes concentrated beams of light to target and then destroy unwanted hair follicles, slowing down the growth of hair significantly.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a gentle exfoliation technique that removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells. It involves spraying tiny crystals onto the skin and using a suction device to remove the exfoliated skin particles. This treatment can improve:

• Skin texture
• Reduce the appearance of acne scars
• Promote a refreshed and rejuvenated complexion

It’s important to note that the list above is only a few examples of the diverse range of medical aesthetic treatments available to patients seeking to enhance their appearance without the need for surgical interventions.

Be a Leader in the World of Medical Aesthetics

Do you want to provide the best results for your patients and improve the way they look and the way they feel every time they look in the mirror? Then a career in medical aesthetics may be right for you. Enroll today at True U Education and start your journey to helping others look and feel their best all of the time.

Last Updated on June 23, 2023 by M C