It’s a common misconception that non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as facial injectables are non-medical- and, therefore, do not carry the same protocol, risks or complications as surgical procedures. Dr Dehan Struwig debunks the myth…
Cosmetic procedures can be divided into two main groups: cosmetic surgery – requiring surgical intervention of some nature, and non-surgical or minimally invasive cosmetic surgery.
According to the latest statistics of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more patients are opting for cosmetic surgery every year, and it is safe to assume that this trend is reflected in the South African market as well.
Furthermore, the growth of non-surgical or minimally invasive cosmetic surgery is exponentially higher than surgical options.
Sadly, however (especially in South Africa), there is limited control over who may or may not perform non-surgical cosmetic treatments, nor where these treatments are performed. There is also no medical supervision for when things go wrong, and thus, one has to question whether the necessary follow-up is being done.
My office staff regularly complain about patients who phone in, requesting to be injected with anti-wrinkle injectables or dermal fillers without a consultation – and then slamming down the phone furiously when they explain that it is just not possible.
Non-surgical does not mean non-medical
I am very strict where this is concerned. Non-surgical does not mean that there aren’t any risks or possible complications involved. Non-surgical does not mean you visit me today and are gone tomorrow. Non-surgical is still a journey we need to walk through together as an accredited medical practitioner and patient.
As far as I am concerned, these are the golden rules for non-surgical treatments, which should not be ignored:
- Remember, these are still medical treatments. A full medical history, including at least the last five years of medical conditions and surgeries, should be taken, along with a full list of medications, homoeopathic medications and supplements taken.
- Patients suffering from certain medical conditions cannot undergo certain non-invasive cosmetic procedures. If patients have suffered from food poisoning at some stage in their lives, they could have antibodies that would prevent anti-wrinkle injectables from working – a waste of money if you were injected without a proper medical history taken. Meanwhile, patients who suffer from herpes might suffer an outbreak straight after injections if the necessary prophylactic steps have not been taken.
- Some medications, homoeopathic medications and supplements, such as Omega 3 and 6 oils, evening primrose oil and aspirin, cause bleeding and, therefore, bruising – these should be stopped at least seven to 10 days prior to any treatment or surgery.
- The suitability of the treatment and alternate options should be discussed. I often find patients who are convinced that anti-wrinkle injectables will give them fuller lips or that the grossly overly large lips they saw on the internet were because of these injectables. No, it was not! You need to be properly advised.
- You should be fully informed. The risks, complications and benefits of the treatment should be properly discussed with yourself, and you should understand the limitations of the treatment. You should know which anti-wrinkle injectable (there are several brands on the market) and which filler would be injected, and what result you can expect from each. There are different fillers available for different areas of the face – not all are suitable for the lips, for instance.
- The procedure should be performed in a sterile medical setting. I still hear of parties at people’s homes or at beauty spas where injectables are freely given – and one has to question issues like patient-doctor confidentiality, sterility for some procedures, and appropriate preparation of the products and materials being used in the treatments.
- Who is doing the injections? In South Africa, only medical doctors can perform cosmetic injections. However, this does not mean that your doctor has undergone the necessary training to do these injections. In order to inject, an in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy is needed – and very few doctors have in-depth training of the facial anatomy, as it is not part of their field of specialisation. Make sure you make use of accredited, well-trained practitioners.
- What if there is an emergency? A surgical setting, even if in a doctor’s procedure room, allows for emergency treatment if necessary. This is not always available in other settings. Always ask yourself what if: what if I sustain a deep dermal burn due to a chemical peel – is there a doctor on hand to ensure that the burn is treated correctly immediately, or do I have to travel to the emergency unit of a hospital for help? What if: what if I develop an allergic reaction? Is there someone that can administer emergency medicine? These things happen infrequently, VERY infrequently, in fact, but what if?
Choose wisely. Non-surgical is NOT non-medical.
Disclaimer: This article is published for information purposes only and should, therefore, not be taken as an endorsement or advertisement for any product or medical treatment – nor should it be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice.
M.B.Ch.B; M.Med. (Plast&Reconstr) (Stell)
Dr Dèhan is a respected Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon known for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to patient care. With a compassionate and hands-on approach, he supports his patients throughout their surgical journey. His expertise spans both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, with a particular focus on facial procedures, breast surgery, abdominoplasty, and liposuction.
Dr Dèhan’s experience in treating traumatic injuries, including hand injuries, burns, and lacerations, in children and adults alike. His practice also integrates skin cancer surgery, supported by a dedicated team of nurses, healthcare professionals, and a Skincare Diagnostic Technician.
He completed his medical studies at the University of Stellenbosch and Cape Town Medical School, followed by a prestigious fellowship in Paris under Dr Francoise Firmin, where he specialised in cosmetic surgery and ear reconstruction. Further training across Europe and the U.S. has enriched his practice with global insights into patient care and management.
- Dr Dèhan Strüwighttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-dehan-struwig
