Is it safe to book in for my 'tweakments' during the COVID 19 Pandemic

As non-essential services reopen, many of us are desperate to book in to get our usual treatments. Although, some might feel guilty about treating themselves, some still don't feel comfortable leaving the house for anything other than shopping or work, and some, if not most us have a baseline level of anxiety about COVID in general, it's not over after all.

But looking after ourselves on the outside, makes us feel good on the inside right? We shouldn’t underestimate the importance of how our appearance affects our self-confidence and the impact this has on our wellbeing.

So if you are feeling ready to venture out and treat yourself, you can be reassured that the

Medical Aesthetics sector has been given specific guidance from bodies such as Save Face, the JCCP and the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN) on reopening safely with minimal risk.

You should expect the following during your visit:

· To wear a face covering

· To have your temperature checked on arrival

· To wear a plastic apron

· To clean your hands on arrival and before leaving the treatment room

· Your medical practitioner will be wearing a visor or eye protection and a 3 layer fluid resistant face mask

· You’ll need to arrive on time for your appointment as waiting areas will be removed or reduced

· A COVID 19 screening questionnaire will be required before entry to the building

· Any soft furnishings will have been removed or cordoned off

· You may be asked to have an online consultation and perhaps complete online forms to reduce contact time

· Your clinic should have stringent cleaning procedures and risk assessments in place, you can ask to see these

· Your clinic may look a little bare as unnecessary decorative items, leaflets, magazines etc have been removed to allow for thorough regular cleaning of all hard surfaces in between patients

Your medical practitioner will have your safety and theirs at the forefront of their mind before commencing any treatment. This is a requirement to remain registered under any professional body. If you have any questions, fears, anxieties about having your treatment, be sure to ask your practitioner who should be more than happy to help, there may even be alternative ‘at home’ treatments available for those who are not quite ready for venture out yet such as home chemical peels and medical grade skincare.

Stay safe everyone.

With love, Kelly Whittaker

Registered Nurse DipHE Adult, Aesthetics Nurse.