Any questions about aesthetic medicine?
FAQ
Discover my answers to your most frequently asked questions.
questions réponses : Médecin esthétique
Questions/Answers:
What is an aesthetic doctor?
An aesthetic doctor is a physician above all, but who has specialised in aesthetic medicine through additional qualifications after completing their general medical degree (which takes around 10 years of study). An aesthetic doctor is not a surgeon and therefore does not perform operations. An aesthetic doctor is not a dermatologist and consequently does not treat skin conditions. An aesthetic doctor is a physician of beauty. Caution is advised with treatments from fake injectors and non-medical centres; one must not play with their health.
Aesthetic Medicine in 7 Questions
1- Will it be noticeable that I've had aesthetic treatments? For my part, when one notices that someone has had treatments, it means that they have overdone it. When aesthetic medicine is evident on a face, it indicates poor execution. I believe that aesthetic medicine should be approached with moderation to provide a boost and a fresh appearance, but definitely not to alter a face. 2- Don't sell dreams! Aesthetic medicine is a science that brings improvement to certain aspects of the face or body, but it can never replace cosmetic surgery. In aesthetic medicine, we enhance, we prevent cellular aging, we reduce certain signs of time, but we do not erase areas that are too marked by time. It’s important to understand this to avoid disappointment with the results. 3- A treatment for men or women? Long hailed by women, aesthetic medicine sees an increasing number of men seeking treatment every day. And thankfully so! 4- The importance of consent The documents we ask you to sign serve not only to protect us in case of incidents but also to inform you of the possible outcomes that may occur after any aesthetic treatment. It’s somewhat like the leaflet of side effects you find in a medicine box. Unfortunately, there are indeed risks of spots after laser treatments and cases of necrosis following injections. Thus, we do not take these treatments lightly as they are primarily "medical". 5- The ideal time to do it There is no ideal moment to undergo these treatments, but just know that the results will be more pronounced if the symptoms to be treated are minor. We don’t perform treatments on a Monday when you’re getting married on a Saturday! I do not want to be responsible for bruises in your photos. 6- What to tell your partner? To hide it or to tell them? I am often told that partners should not know about your aesthetic treatments. However, let's ask ourselves the right question: Is it not legitimate, in our generation, to take care of ourselves and slow down the effects of time? If we analyse this properly: The fear of partners comes from the risk of transformation, which I find understandable. Never forget, ladies and gentlemen, that you are free to make your own choices. Your body belongs to you, and so does your face. It’s up to you to reassure them by explaining what you are undertaking. 7- Social media If there is one term I must use to describe social media, it is CATASTROPHE. Of course, social media is also a source for recruiting patients for aesthetic practices. Remember that we only showcase the good results on our social media, not the "failures" and "non-responders". Do not rely solely on social media (even mine!!!).
How to Choose Your Aesthetic Doctor
Advice 1: Never undergo treatment on the day of your consultation, as it is important not to "dive in" without taking a step back and reflecting both on the budgetary aspect and on the treatments proposed in relation to your expectations. Advice 2: LISTEN to the doctor, because we often come to the consultation with a specific idea of the desired outcome, and although the doctor will explain what you can realistically achieve, you still hold onto the fantasy of an unattainable result. Advice 3: Read the reviews. But BE CAREFUL, only trust the majority of opinions, as, take a look at social media. You will find that it is always the same individuals who are quick to criticise a doctor. Of course, the doctor cannot defend themselves as they are bound by patient confidentiality. These same individuals, who usually operate under a pseudonym, are either patients who believed in the dream and did not listen (advice 2), or women or secretaries of doctors (an ideal method to divert patients, unfair competition), or it may be that their experience with the doctor did not go well. However, it is also important to understand why things went wrong. Advice 4: If your doctor advises against a treatment, then listen to them, DO NOT GO AHEAD. A refusal means a loss for the doctor, but a refusal equals safety and peace of mind (for everyone!!!). This morning, a kind lady insisted on lip injections despite being a carrier of an autoimmune disease and having previously experienced lumps post-injection. When I refused her, she said to me, “I travelled across Paris for my lips, and you refuse me...”. Yes, we do not perform injections in the presence of an autoimmune disease. Another person, 30 years ago, received silicone in her face. ONE SHOULD NEVER INJECT in a risky area like silicone. She was very upset to be denied any treatment. You can be sure that these individuals will be very active on social media. Advice 5: Aesthetic medicine can provide improvement, but not transformation. You cannot gain 20 years with just 2 vials. Let’s stop dreaming. Advice 6 (The last one): Fees. The cost of a vial of hyaluronic acid can range from the cheap (foreign product with no traceability) to the triple (a safe product from a well-established lab, with a team of pharmacists). A laser treatment performed by a qualified laser doctor does not cost the same as a non-medical hair removal centre. Do nothing if it destabilises your financial balance, remain beautiful just as you are. You can consider it on the day when it becomes easier.
At what age should one start?
Social media and thus selfies are the reason for the younger age of the first consultation. I find it truly unfortunate that young people struggle so much to accept themselves and regard a mere aesthetic detail as a major flaw. I believe that we, as parents, should not give in to our children's desires before they turn 20 at the very least. I often observe in my consultations parents who come with their children because they have thrown in the towel. This battle is just as important as the energy we invest in their education; we must not give up or submit to the demands of the young. I always try to help young people understand that they should not step into aesthetic medicine because, after that, they might find it hard to do without, and the desire will not stop at a simple wish to modify an aspect of their body or face, but will lead to an unhealthy escalation.
Will it be noticeable that I've had aesthetic medicine treatments?
For my part, when one notices that a person has undergone treatments, it means that we have overdone it. When aesthetic medicine is visible on a face, it indicates that it has been poorly done. I believe that aesthetic medicine should be administered sparingly, to provide a touch of radiance and a healthy glow, but absolutely not to alter a face.
Do not sell dreams!
Aesthetic medicine is a science that enhances certain aspects of the face or body, but cannot in any way replace cosmetic surgery. In aesthetic medicine, we improve, we prevent cellular ageing, we reduce certain signs of time, but we do not erase parts that are too marked by time. It is important to understand this in order not to be disappointed with the results.
A treatment for men or women?
Long praised by women, aesthetic medicine is witnessing an increasing number of male patients every day. And fortunately so!
The Importance of Consent
The documents we have you sign are not only intended to protect us in case of claims but also to inform you about the potential consequences that may arise after any aesthetic treatment. It’s somewhat akin to the leaflet of side effects you would find in a box of medication. And yes, unfortunately, there are risks of pigmentation following laser treatments and cases of necrosis after injections. Therefore, we do not take these treatments lightly, as they are primarily "medical" in nature.
The ideal moment to do it
There is no ideal moment to undergo these treatments, but just know that the results will be more pronounced if the symptoms to be treated are minor. We don’t carry out treatment on a Monday when you are getting married on Saturday! I do not want to be responsible for bruises in the photos.
What to tell your spouse? Hide it or tell them?
Regularly, I am told that one's partner should not know that you are undergoing aesthetic treatments. However, let us ask the right question: Is it not legitimate, in our generation, to do something good for ourselves and to slow down time? If we analyse this well: The fear of partners arises from the risk of transformation, and I find this understandable. Never forget, ladies and gentlemen, that you are free in your choice. Your body belongs to you, and so does your face. It is up to you to reassure them by explaining what you are embarking on.
Social media
If there is one term I must use to describe social media, it is the term CATASTROPHE. Of course, social media is also a source of patient recruitment for aesthetic practices. Remember that we only showcase the positive results on our social media and not the "failures" and "non-responders". Do not rely solely on social media (even mine!!!).
The Concept of Money in Aesthetic Medicine
Aesthetic medicine is not a mandatory practice. One should never go into debt to remove a wrinkle from the cheek or to reduce body hair. How did our mothers manage 30 years ago; were they not happier? In France, we have categorized low-cost medicine; and that is why it is so difficult to find doctors these days. One will pay for a general medical consultation less than for a manicure or a hair dye. The act of aesthetic medicine does not stop at a mere injection or laser treatment. It is the responsibility of the physician to acquire reliable equipment (for your information, a hair removal laser costs €100,000). An aesthetic doctor is one who has completed 10 years of studies and works in a setting with exorbitant costs. To conclude on this subject, I reiterate, “Do not undergo an aesthetic treatment if it will put you in financial difficulty; you are beautiful even with a few wrinkles!”
The fake injector: the scourge
There is a real scourge involving individuals posing as aesthetic doctors without the slightest understanding of anatomy or the consequences of their actions. These fake injectors offer low-cost injections or other treatments in their homes using products purchased online without any knowledge of their origin. These products are often non-sterile, come from China, and can cause irreparable damage to the face or body. Fortunately, authorities are beginning to investigate this underground medicine, but it's like drug trafficking; you catch one, and another pops up. In medicine, it is important to know that the last person to treat a patient is responsible for everything that happens afterwards. As a result, we do not cover the adverse effects of procedures performed under dangerous conditions. Therefore, be cautious of the devastating consequences these products can have on your health.
When is it time to stop?
I always say that if one notices a friend has undergone aesthetic treatment, it means that too many procedures have been performed. Aesthetic medicine is only appealing when it is not obvious. Treatments should be carried out with discretion and restraint. Therefore, the women we see in certain streets of Paris with taut and puffy faces are those who have not known when to stop. However, if they are happy with it, that's fine, but it is not my vision of aesthetic medicine.
How often should one see their aesthetic doctor?
Aside from the laser hair removal treatments we offer, for which the sessions are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart, a patient should see their doctor every 6 months. At each consultation, a small maintenance treatment should be performed. The results will appear much more natural if small adjustments are made regularly, rather than undertaking large sessions that might risk disrupting the natural look.
Duration of the consultation with your doctor?
I have a reputation for being straightforward in my consultations, ensuring that I do not waste time for my current patients or future ones. In this regard, and in complete alignment with this ethos, I charge reasonable fees. I am aware that I may not be suitable for everyone, but looking at the feedback over the last 20 years, my working method is very well received. Thank you for all the positive reviews about me on Google.
Punctuality and availability
Ask your friends, at my practice, we don’t wait more than 5 minutes. A true pleasure according to my patients. For my part, I believe it is the least respect to see patients on time. However, I expect the same from you, and if you arrive late, I will be compelled to reschedule our appointment. All my patients have my mobile number; I am available 24/7.
Perform treatment on the day of the evaluation
I strongly advise against it, as it is always better to gather all the information and come back with all the details in mind. You won’t be able to say to me, "oh, I didn't know"!
Managing Disappointment
Disappointment in aesthetic medicine arises either from a poor explanation by the doctor regarding the expected results or from an excessive expectation on the part of the patient. It is essential to listen to what the doctor tells you during the initial consultation. Do not leave with a preconceived notion thinking that everything is achievable. On average, I decline 15% of patients during the assessment consultation. Apart from that, I must explain a concrete medical notion to you. If you have a wrinkle, for example, a nasolabial fold, I will choose the injection product that corresponds to this wrinkle, but this particular wrinkle might be difficult to erase. How can this be explained? In fact, the skin can have a remarkable memory of shape and despite everything we attempt to do, it will revert to its original form after a very short period. This notion cannot be anticipated. We cannot know how your body will react to treatments. Similarly, a product that is supposed to last for a year under the skin can be broken down and digested very quickly by your body. We do not know the reasons for this phenomenon, nor can we anticipate it. This reaction is not only noticeable during aesthetic medicine treatments; it is also observed following breast implant placements, dental implants, resistance to antibiotics, and the list goes on.
Side effects
Every insertion of a product beneath the skin, every laser procedure, every body or facial treatment can be accompanied by an unpredictable reaction. Fortunately, these adverse effects are extremely rare, but they should not be overlooked and it is important to be aware of them before undertaking any treatment. A cosmetic procedure is primarily a medical act. Thoroughly read the consent forms, as they serve as warnings for everything that may occur once you undergo treatment, much like medication leaflets. Read the leaflet for Doliprane, the most commonly used medication in the world, and you will understand! As for bruising and swelling, these are minor adverse effects, but they can place you in a delicate situation at the time they occur. I refuse to inject patients who have a major event within the 15 days following our appointment. I do not want a bruise on a lip, for instance, to appear in all your wedding photos!!! Choose your treatment date wisely before doing anything.
Catching Up on Others' Mistakes
Before discussing this paragraph, please read the one above regarding fake injectors. Aside from that situation, you may have received inadequate treatment from your aesthetic practitioner. Do not shy away from addressing this and try to resolve the issue directly with them first. Indeed, it is very challenging to rectify someone else's work. If communication has broken down or if you have lost all trust in them, come to us, and we will do our best to help you; however, make sure to ask your practitioner for the names of the injected products or the parameters of the laser treatments carried out. For your information, an aesthetic practitioner is supposed to provide you with a record documenting all procedures performed, as well as the names of the injected products (traceability labels).
Touch-up Management
It is common for us to face the necessity of performing a touch-up following a treatment. As with any good professional, it is normal to carry these out. However, it is important to understand that certain procedures take effect over several days, and therefore, one must absolutely adhere to the doctor's advice, who will indicate the timeframe to be observed for this. For example, following a laser hair removal treatment, one needs to wait on average 15 days for the hair to fall out. You might think that the doctor has overlooked an area to be treated, but in the vast majority of cases, these are hairs that have taken time to shed. Similarly, during a hyaluronic acid injection, there may be dips or lumps that appear post-injection; it is essential to wait two to three weeks before correcting them. Why? If one goes ahead and fills a dip that was meant to fill in spontaneously while the hyaluronic acid takes its place, then you risk ending up with lumps (due to an excess of product). Aside from ill-intentioned practitioners, we all have the ethics to complete the necessary corrections on a patient.
Patients living abroad
I usually check my work 2 to 3 weeks after a treatment. This poses a problem for patients who are only in Paris for one day. It is important to know this in advance, as we will not be able to carry out any necessary touch-ups.
From what age should hyaluronic acid injections be started?
Our body naturally produces hyaluronic acid and collagen until the age of 30. After this point, the production declines and depending on our genetics and lifestyle, signs of ageing will begin to appear. It is therefore around the age of 30 that we should start prevention of ageing through micro-injections. It is important to understand that a wrinkle in the skin is like a scar that cannot disappear, but its intensity can be reduced.
Are there any contraindications to hyaluronic acid injections?
It is strictly prohibited to inject hyaluronic acid in cases of autoimmune disorders such as Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. You will find doctors who disregard this prohibition, but I operate under the principle that we are dealing with aesthetics, and there is no way one should end up with lumps everywhere. Everyone has their own stance.
Should one plan for downtime after injections?
Generally no, but any injection can cause a bruise or swelling. Swelling is common with skinboosters (especially during the first session, as the skin is often dehydrated).
Do injections hurt?
There are the sensitive ones, the resilient ones, and there are the patients who tolerate a bit of pain. It will be possible to perform local anaesthesia. In any case, most injectable products are mixed with anaesthetic agents, making the treatment quite bearable.
How long does an injection last?
On average, you should allow 15 to 30 minutes per vial of injected hyaluronic acid.
Why do I have no product left one month after my injection?
When performing injections on a face, we choose the ideal product corresponding to the indication. If the product disappears very quickly, then we must consider different hypotheses: Your metabolism is destructive of external hyaluronic acid just as it is of the internal hyaluronic acid in your body, which has naturally diminished. You were expecting a more significant result, and thus in this case, it is necessary to consider an additional treatment. After your injections, an oedema developed in the area of the wrinkle, which you appreciated, as it added volume; therefore, the perception of disappearance is nothing other than the vanishing of the oedema. The solutions consist either of complementing the treatment or waiting for the definitive settling of the injected product.
Is it possible to reverse the outcome?
You have undergone an aesthetic medicine treatment and are not satisfied with the result. There are solutions to make the injected products disappear. However, carefully consider your desire to reverse the treatment, as you may find yourself in the same situation that led to the aesthetic medicine consultation.
I feel small lumps at the injection site, what should I do?
Hyaluronic acid is a product made up of microspheres. Therefore, it is normal to have the sensation of small balls under the skin. If these are bothersome, it is possible to inject a product to soften the hyaluronic acid. If it does not bother you, it is preferable to leave them, as they will act as a pillar under the skin to support the droop of the wrinkle.
Aesthetic treatments
Our technical platform Excellence in aesthetic medicine relies on…
Medical rhinoplasty: everything you need to know about non-surgical rhinoplasty One…
Laser tattoo removal: take control of your skin back You regret...
Injection to plump the lips with hyaluronic acid in Paris Hydrate…
Revitalise your neck's youthfulness with a tailored treatment The neck is often the...
Décolleté & breast scars: non-surgical solutions One…
Forehead lines are part of the expression lines on the upper face…
Regaining a firmer abdomen after pregnancy: our personalised solutions...
The face: customised aesthetic medicine to prevent, correct and enhance…
Firming and Slimming the Arms: What Non-Surgical Solutions Are Available?
...









