Independent training provider Cosmetic Medical Academy, run by aesthetic practitioner Dr Max Malik, has launched a new course that is centred on patient psychology.
Dr Malik, who is also a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, explained that the course is designed in line with the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) guidelines of making psychological aspects compulsory in aesthetics training for medical practitioners.
The teaching will be led by Dr Malik and plastic surgeons Mr Shahz Ahmed and Mr Rana Das-Gupta. The one-day course will offer delegates the tools to not only deal with complications, but prevent them from happening. For example, how to reduce patient complaints and risks of unhappiness.
Dr Malik said, “A patient’s motivation for cosmetic enhancement must be evaluated thoroughly during an initial consultation to help determine if patients are interested in treatment for themselves and their own sense of self-esteem or if they are seeking treatment to please others or follow trends. Perhaps they are suffering with body dysmorphic disorder or more commonly, are simply thinking that aesthetic treatments will be the ‘solution’ to many of life’s difficulties.”
He continued, “Not only is this of paramount importance when it comes to the wellbeing of the patient, but it is essential if one wishes to avoid a poor post-treatment outcome. It is crucial for the patient journey and final levels of satisfaction with the results and it is just as important for the medical practitioner to invest in the psychological journey and outcomes of their patients.”
