Procedures developed to make the skin look more youthful are called cosmetic procedures. The medical training these these professionals receive makes them uniquely qualified to evaluate the skin and determine which cosmetic procedures can safely and effectively diminish your signs of aging.

Questions to Ask Before a Cosmetic Procedure

While the convenience of having an anti-aging treatment performed at a local spa, shopping mall, or walk-in clinic can be alluring, opting for this convenience could jeopardize health and safety. Treatments that turn back the hands of time such as chemical peels, laser skin rejuvenation, and microdermabrasion are cosmetic surgical procedures that require medical training for best results. Asking the following questions before having a cosmetic procedure can help patients find a qualified practitioner and avoid complications:

1. How many times has the specialist performed the procedure?
   Don’t be afraid to ask this question. The procedure should be one that the doctor performs regularly. When physicians have specialized training in performing a procedure and have successfully
   performed the procedure on numerous patients, they usually want others to know.
   

1. What results can I expect?

While results depend largely on the skill and experience of the person performing the procedure, the condition of the patient’s skin as well as the patient’s age and health affect the cosmetic outcome. A dermatologist typically tells a patient what to expect after visually examining the skin and gathering a medical history. He/she also can tell the patient if the procedure will deliver the desired results and if it is appropriate for the patient.

Tip: To help communicate the results you seek, find pictures to show what you want to look like. For example, if you want fuller, more youthful lips, find a photograph of the lips you desire. Photographs greatly help communicate expectations and break down communication barriers.