The aesthetics journey: prescribing and the new practitioner

Prescribing for others can present various challenges for practitioners and is a roll that is interpreted in a number of different ways. In contrast to many aspects of aesthetics in the UK, there are some specific guidelines for prescribing in aesthetics; however, these are limited to the prescriber-patient interaction. Here, the environment/circumstances supporting the prescribing experience, prescriber/non-prescriber relationships, rolls and responsibilities and a possible model for ideal patient consultation, prescribing and management will be examined.

Much is documented regarding the practices of prescribing in aesthetics (both in relation to a clinician's own patients and when prescribing for others). Equally, there is guidance available for patients considering aesthetic treatments. On the NHS website (NHS, 2019), there is excellent patient advice regarding how to choose a safe practitioner and signposting towards appropriate registers and questions that patients should ask. However, interestingly, the registers they signpost to do not include the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), General Dental Council or General Medical Council (GMC). This can be perceived as a huge oversight, as these are the only registers that formally recognise aesthetics within the scope of their profession and, therefore, place the responsibility of the duty of care with the practicing doctor, nurse or dentist. While the other registers have a place, they are all voluntary in nature. Having a formal, current and registered medical qualification should, surely, count as the fundamental standard if the recommendation is to attend a ‘medical practitioner … on a register to show they meet set standards in training, skill and insurance’ (NHS, 2019).