Implementing the Medical Model in Aesthetic Consultation.

Throughout the process of building a new medical spa, it is important to standardize and implement safe, evidenced-based practice standards. As medical spas and aesthetic services become more prevalent and popular, it is more important than ever for providers to ensure that patient safety is a top priority. Integrating a structured medical model into the aesthetic consultation and treatment ensures that a mutual decision-making process is shared between the provider and the patient. Together, the provider and the patient can determine whether the treatment will improve the patient's overall health and well-being. The patient is given the opportunity to fully understand and choose which procedure will best address their overall psychological health, aesthetic concern, and anatomical diagnosis. In establishing agreement with the patient on a common goal, the provider can first assess the risks and benefits, and then determine which intervention or treatment will provide the patient with the greatest benefit. When providers establish and adhere to an easy-to-use, decision-making algorithm, patients are empowered in the decision-making process. This helps build a working, trusting relationship between the patient and the provider, which leads to greater patient satisfaction and patient loyalty. Sharing this medical model algorithm will greatly benefit other aesthetic providers by helping to create a standardized evaluation process in a medically based aesthetic practice.