Aesthetic Medicine is a sub speciality of medical and surgical practice comprising a comprehensive group of health interventions, including preventative, minimally invasive and operative procedures involving human tissues, performed by duly qualified and registered medical, dental and advanced nurse practitioners, in order to maintain, improve or restore physical, psychological and/or social wellbeing of patients, using techniques which combine both medical and aesthetic considerations for the patient.
All BCAM members are doctors and dentists practising aesthetic medicine, and the College recommends that aesthetic treatments are carried out by healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and the highest standards of clinical knowledge and expertise. Some aesthetic treatments require Prescription-only Medicines (POM) to be administered i.e., Botulinum Toxin (e.g., Botox, Dysport) which can only be legally procured by a medical professional who holds prescribing rights.
All treatments carry risks (ranging from very small such as bruising right through to life changing complications like blindness and stroke) it is important that patients have a full understanding of these risks before they proceed. Not only are BCAM members experienced medical professionals qualified to treat patients, but they also have the necessary physiological, psychological, and anatomical knowledge to treat any complications that may occur, but also have access to prescription-only medicines which may be needed. This is not the case with aesthetic treatments conducted in a beauty environment.
BCAM aims to provide you with information about medical aesthetic procedures, so you can make informed decisions about treatments and practitioners.
You can search for a BCAM member in your area, or for a specific treatment using our search facility by clicking here