AESTHETIC PRACTICE
Wellness Month: Integrating Wellness into Your Aesthetic Practice with Dr Lucy Woodside at Blend Skin and Aesthetics
At Cosmetic Insure, we’re committed to advancing the aesthetic industry’s well-being
This Wellness Month, we’re thrilled to share expert insights on integrating wellness practices into aesthetic clinics. By prioritising holistic health—physical, mental, and emotional—we not only meet consumer demand but also enhance patient satisfaction and practitioner well-being.
Here are some benefits to consider to enhance your practice:
Meeting consumer demand and increasing customer satisfaction by providing an enhanced patient experience
Attract new patients to your clinic, including those who are hesitant about aesthetic treatments.
Boosting your own well-being as well as your team.
Read our Q&A with Dr Lucy Woodside and explore how professionals like Lucy from Blend Skin and Aesthetics navigate these challenges and promote wellness in their practices.
What are some common wellness challenges faced by professionals in the aesthetic industry, and how do you address them at Blend Skin and Aesthetics?
“In our industry, the pursuit of the “perfect image” often leads to significant wellness challenges across physical, social, mental, and emotional domains. Physically, long hours and poor posture can strain us. Personally, I’ve found solutions like investing in ergonomic furniture—like a saddle chair and electric bed—to be game-changers for comfort and patient care. Additionally, I advocate for integrating exercise into our daily routines to maintain both physical and mental fitness amidst hectic schedules.
Our industry is intensely image-driven, with clients frequently seeking treatments to align with societal ideals perpetuated by media and social platforms. This constant exposure can take a toll on our emotional and social well-being, leading to self-doubt and comparison. It’s not uncommon to hear colleagues and clients alike discussing perceived imperfections and the desire for additional treatments. While promoting the services we offer is important, it’s equally vital to cultivate a balanced perspective on self-image and body positivity within our practice.
Beyond these aesthetic-specific challenges, the everyday pressures of running a business—ensuring compliance, financial stability, and maintaining work-life balance—add significant emotional stress. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of reassessing work hours and responsibilities to prevent burnout. For instance, reducing my clinic days and collaborating with supportive colleagues have been instrumental in preserving both my professional efficacy and personal well-being.”
Can you share some effective tips for creating a positive and stress-free work environment?
“Absolutely! For me, creating a positive work environment starts with listening – to yourself, your team, and your clients. Flexibility in scheduling is key; it allows for a better work-life balance. Social activities, like outings with my staff, recently we closed Blend Skin and Aesthetics on a Saturday to attend the races together. Additionally, we regularly organise smaller gatherings such as meals out, early closures, or coffee breaks. These moments of relaxation enhance team morale and contribute to retaining talented staff members. Regular staff meetings where everyone’s voice is heard also play a crucial role in maintaining a supportive workplace culture.”
How do you educate your patients at Blend Skin and Aesthetics about the importance of overall wellness in conjunction with their aesthetic treatments?
“We always take a holistic approach with our clients. While we do use body dysmorphia questionnaires, in my experience, these tools often only capture part of the client’s story, if that. Many individuals may find it challenging to openly express their struggles on such forms. By engaging clients in casual conversation about their lives and work while they’re preparing for treatment, we can often uncover deeper insights. This approach helps us discern whether a perceived imperfection truly troubles them or if it’s a symptom of a larger issue they’re dealing with. While we can’t solve every issue, we strive to listen, provide support, and guide clients toward appropriate resources. It’s essential that our injectable treatments align with genuine physical needs rather than addressing emotional desires.
Wellness needs can vary widely, from clients seeking treatments for special occasions like weddings to those struggling with severe body dysmorphia. Each situation requires careful management to ensure client safety and prevent over-treatment. In cases of genuine body dysmorphia, we advocate involving a multidisciplinary team because it’s a complex issue that demands specialised support.
At Blend Skin and Aesthetics, we’ve cultivated valuable partnerships, such as with personal trainer Skye from Skye’s the Limit PT. Skye embodies our commitment to overall wellness, offering more than just fitness regimes. Whether it’s her baby steps classes that accommodate new parents or tailored gym sessions for older adults, Skye promotes confidence, physical fitness, and mental well-being. Her approach significantly enhances emotional and social health by nurturing supportive communities within her sessions. There are numerous outstanding personal trainers eager to collaborate similarly; we encourage others in the industry to explore such partnerships.”
What are the most common imperfections patients seek to address in your practice?
“In our clinic, static upper face lines, loss of lip volume, and treatments for jowls are the most frequent requests. Each client’s goals and concerns are unique, so we tailor our approach accordingly.”
How do you approach consultations with patients who have had botched treatments elsewhere?
“We frequently assist clients who have undergone previous treatments elsewhere that didn’t yield satisfactory results, often referred to as “botched” treatments. With the aid of our ultrasound technology, we specialise in managing complications from filler procedures. When handling complex cases like these, we prioritise having two clinicians present in the room. This approach allows for collaborative discussions on the most effective treatment strategies and provides reassurance in case of any unforeseen issues. Clients appreciate this dual approach, as it ensures they receive thorough, top-tier care.
When addressing clients with past negative experiences, effective communication is crucial. We engage in open dialogue to understand their previous concerns and desired outcomes. If their expectations are unrealistic or if we lack confidence in achieving their goals, we are transparent about referral options. Ultimately, ensuring a positive patient experience involves meticulous record-keeping, comprehensive documentation, and attentive care to rebuild their trust and confidence.
By prioritising thorough preparation and attentive care, we aim to provide clients with exceptional experiences that restore their confidence and establish long-term relationships based on trust and satisfaction.”
A Note from Cosmetic Insure: Why Positive Wellness Practices Can Be Beneficial for Complying with Your Insurance Requirements
Implementing positive wellness practices in your clinic not only enhances the overall experience for both staff and clients but also plays a crucial role in maintaining compliance with insurance requirements. At Cosmetic Insure, we understand that a well-rounded approach to wellness can significantly reduce the risk of complications and complaints.
By promoting a supportive and healthy work environment, you minimise the chances of errors and ensure that treatments are performed under the best possible conditions. This proactive stance on wellness not only protects your clients but also safeguards your practice, aligning with the standards and protocols necessary for comprehensive insurance coverage. Emphasising wellness helps you create a safer, more efficient, and ultimately more successful practice.
In conclusion, integrating wellness into aesthetic practices isn’t just about enhancing physical appearances—it’s about supporting holistic well-being. By addressing both the aesthetic and wellness needs of our clients, we ensure ethical and comprehensive care.
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All the information provided in our Cosmetic Insure Treatment Guides and blog articles serves as a valuable reference and informational resource. Our intention is to offer insights that assist you in making informed choices when exploring the extensive array of non-surgical aesthetic treatments available.
Please note that this information does not constitute medical advice. Any reliance you place on the content found within the Cosmetic Insure Treatment Guides, Cosmetic Insure blog articles, or on any part of cosmeticinsure.com is done so entirely at your own discretion.
Prior to considering any non-surgical cosmetic treatment mentioned anywhere on cosmeticinsure.com, we strongly recommend that you engage in thorough consultation with a duly qualified and accredited practitioner who possesses the proper training and comprehensive insurance coverage for the specific treatment you are interested in. Neither the author of the guides or blog articles, nor the practitioner who has verified these guides, nor Cosmetic Insure, can be held responsible or liable for any loss or claims resulting from the use or misuse of cosmeticinsure.com’s content. Your safety and well-being are our utmost concern.