“Would you like to improve your appearance without resorting to surgery? Did you know that medicine offers a multitude of non-invasive treatments that can transform your face and body in just a few sessions? In this practical guide, we reveal everything you need to know about techniques, practitioner qualifications, and the differences with cosmetic surgery.”

Techniques and treatments in aesthetic medicine

Aesthetic medicine, as offered by Innerskin centers, offers a wide range of solutions for improving appearance without the need for surgery. From anti-wrinkle injections to laser treatments, each technique is designed to meet specific needs. Let’s explore these options together to understand how they can transform your face and body.

Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical technique that uses cold to reduce localized fat deposits. In a single session lasting around an hour, it can eliminate up to 30% of the fat in the treated area. How does it work? Intense cold (-10°C to -12°C) crystallizes fat cells, which are then eliminated naturally by the body over a period of 1.5 to 3 months.

This method is ideal for people with moderate, well-localized excess fat, such as love handles, belly fat or back fat. It offers results similar to liposuction, but without the disadvantages of surgery: no scars, no general anaesthetic, and rapid recovery.

However, choosing a qualified practitioner and effective technology is essential to avoid complications, such as damage to surrounding tissue. Results begin to show between 6 and 8 weeks, with a gradual reduction in fat. For optimum results, several sessions may be required, spaced a few weeks apart.

Cryolipolysis is not a weight-loss solution, and is not suitable for people who are severely overweight or have very loose skin. Side effects are generally minimal, including bruising and slight edema. However, rare complications such as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia can occur, requiring surgical intervention to correct.

Botox injections

Botox injections are commonly used to erase expression lines. Botox uses the muscle-relaxing properties of botulinum toxin to reduce the action of forehead and eyebrow muscles. This reduces wrinkles and provides a rejuvenating effect. The aim? Reduce wrinkles at rest and harmonize the face.

Results are not immediate. You need to wait a few days to see the first effects, which stabilize in about a week. Results generally last from 3 to 6 months. To avoid product resistance, it is advisable to space out sessions by 3 to 6 months.

Botox injections are quick, often performed in just a few minutes. They mainly target wrinkles between the eyebrows, on the forehead and around the eyes. Although the procedure is relatively straightforward, it must be performed by a qualified professional to minimize the risk of side effects such as bruising, redness or headaches.

It’s important not to aim for perfection from the very first session. A gradual approach avoids a fixed or “overdone” appearance. If you stop the injections, the treated muscles will return to their original function.

Hyaluronic acid injections

Hyaluronic acid injections are the solution of choice for those seeking to restore volume and improve skin quality without surgery. Used to fill wrinkles, rebalance facial volumes and hydrate the skin, hyaluronic acid offers natural, immediate results.

The process is quick and easy. In 10 to 30 minutes, a session can be performed without any special preparation. Injected products often contain a local anesthetic, making the procedure virtually painless. For added comfort, a lidocaine ointment can be applied before the injection.

Results are visible immediately, although slight swelling may appear in the hours that follow. Bruising may persist for a few days, but this is temporary. The effects last between 6 and 12 months, depending on the areas treated. A new session may be considered every 9 to 12 months to maintain results.

Hyaluronic acid injections can be combined with other anti-aging treatments such as botox, lasers, PRP or peels for an even more complete effect. It’s an ideal option for those who want a youthful glow without the need for surgery.

Intense pulsed light and laser

Looking for a long-lasting hair removal solution? Intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser technologies are your allies. Laser hair removal, often performed in dermatological practices or aesthetic clinics, is more effective than IPL, available in beauty salons. Why is this so? The laser specifically targets the hair’s melanin, destroying the bulb more precisely and powerfully. The result: fewer sessions, often between 5 and 8, for virtually permanent hair removal.

Intense pulsed light, on the other hand, uses a polychromatic flash lamp. It is less intense, requiring up to 12 sessions for similar results. It is better suited to light skin with dark hair, but may be less effective on light hair or dark skin. Sessions are quick and relatively painless, but medical supervision is recommended to avoid the risk of burns or hyperpigmentation.

In terms of cost, IPL is generally cheaper per session, but laser, although more expensive, offers longer-lasting results. Choosing between the two depends on your skin type, budget and expectations in terms of results. In all cases, be sure to consult a qualified professional to assess which method is best suited to your situation.

Laser tattoo removal

Do you regret a tattoo and want to remove it without leaving scars? Laser tattoo removal is the ideal solution. This technique uses pulses of light to fragment tattoo pigments into microscopic particles, which the body then eliminates naturally.

The most commonly used lasers are Q-switched and picosecond, each with its own specific features. Q-switched is effective for black and dark-colored tattoos, while picosecond is faster and can treat a wider range of colors, including lighter, more resistant shades.

The laser tattoo removal process requires several sessions, generally between 6 and 10, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart to allow the skin to recover. Sessions are quick, lasting from 10 to 30 minutes, but can be slightly uncomfortable. An anaesthetic cream can be applied to minimize pain.

Side effects are generally minor: redness, swelling and sometimes scabs, which disappear within a few days. However, it is crucial to choose a qualified practitioner to avoid the risk of burns or changes in skin pigmentation.

Laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective method of removing unwanted tattoos without scarring, provided you follow the post-treatment recommendations and protect the treated area from the sun.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is an aesthetic medicine technique that involves injecting small quantities of active substances directly under the skin. These injections, performed at different depths according to need, can be used to correct various minor skin defects. Whether to revitalize the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, or brighten up a dull complexion, mesotherapy offers visible, natural results.

A mesotherapy session lasts around 20 minutes and requires no special preparation. The products injected, often a mixture of hyaluronic acid, vitamins and minerals, stimulate collagen production and improve skin hydration. Side effects are generally minimal, limited to slight redness that disappears within a few days.

Treatment takes place in cycles of 3 to 5 sessions spaced two weeks apart, with maintenance sessions every six months to maintain results. Mesotherapy is suitable for all skin types, and can also be used to treat cellulite, sagging skin and even hair loss.

It’s crucial to choose a qualified practitioner to perform these injections, as poor technique can lead to complications. In summary, mesotherapy is an effective, minimally invasive option for those seeking to improve the appearance of their skin without resorting to surgery.

Hair transplant

Hair transplantation is an effective solution for treating mild to severe baldness. The technique involves redistributing existing, healthy hair to balding areas. The hair is taken from a donor area, usually at the back of the head, and then re-implanted in the balding areas.

Among the various transplant methods, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is particularly popular. It enables follicular units containing 1 to 3 hairs to be extracted, without leaving any visible scars. Results are natural, and hair regrowth generally begins a few weeks after the procedure.

The ideal age for a hair transplant is around 35, when androgenic alopecia is well established. However, each case is unique, and a consultation with a specialist is essential to determine the right time.

The benefits of hair transplantation are many: aesthetic enhancement, increased self-confidence, and customization of the treatment to the patient’s needs. However, as with any procedure, there are risks involved. Possible complications include redness, swelling and temporary sensory disturbances.

The choice of clinic and practitioner is crucial. Make sure the doctor is qualified and experienced. Check qualifications and reviews from previous patients. Costs may vary, but it’s important to prioritize quality of care to guarantee satisfactory, lasting results.

Qualifications and training of aesthetic medicine practitioners

Becoming a practitioner of aesthetic medicine requires much more than a simple interest in the field. It’s a rigorous and demanding path that begins with a minimum of eight years of medical studies. Once this has been achieved, doctors must register with the French Medical Council (Conseil de l’Ordre des Médecins), a crucial step if they are to practise legally.

But training doesn’t stop there. Aesthetic medicine is a constantly evolving field, with new techniques and technologies appearing regularly. To stay up to date, practitioners need to follow specific training courses. Institutions such as CIME (Centre International de Médecine Esthétique) offer continuing education programs. These courses enable doctors to acquire practical and theoretical skills in a range of treatments, from hyaluronic acid and botox injections to laser techniques.

Take AMIR Médecine Esthétique’s training courses, for example. They are designed for doctors who are already qualified and registered with the Ordre des Médecins. In less than a year, these courses lead to a European diploma with 60 ECTS credits. Courses are taught by experienced lecturers and include practical sessions on real patient models. This type of training is essential for mastering medical treatments and best practices in the discipline.

There are also specific university degrees for sub-fields of aesthetic medicine. For example, the DUMEG focuses on intimate surgery, while the DUMAA focuses on anti-aging medicine. The DUTIC, meanwhile, offers training in botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid injections. These diplomas enable practitioners to specialize and offer more targeted treatments to their patients.

Training in aesthetic medicine is not limited to doctors. Aesthetic medicine assistants can also follow programs such as DUAME, which train them in specific skills such as injectable reconstitution and medical equipment management.

Appreciating the rigor and expertise of aesthetic medicine practitioners means understanding their qualifications and training. However, it is equally important to distinguish this specialty from cosmetic surgery, which is often confused with it.

The difference between aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery

Aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery are often confused, but they differ fundamentally in their approaches and objectives. Aesthetic medicine focuses on non-invasive, in-office treatments, with no need for general anesthesia or convalescence. Techniques include botox injections, hyaluronic acid injections, laser treatments and mesotherapy. These procedures are designed to correct superficial defects, improve skin appearance and offer temporary, reversible results. For example, a botox injection can reduce expression lines for a few months, but requires regular repeat injections to maintain the effect.

Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, involves more extensive surgical procedures, often under general anaesthetic, with a post-operative convalescence period. Procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasties and breast implants enable more radical and lasting corrections. A facelift, for example, can smooth out deep wrinkles and restore facial firmness for a decade or more. However, these procedures carry surgical risks and require a longer recovery period.

Aesthetic medicine is suitable for those who want subtle, gradual improvements without the inconvenience of surgery. It’s perfect for treating specific areas such as superficial wrinkles and pigment spots, or for restoring volume to lips and cheeks. Results are quickly visible, often from the very first session, but they are temporary and require maintenance sessions.

In contrast, cosmetic surgery is recommended for more extensive and lasting transformations. It is often chosen to correct significant physical defects or for results that cannot be achieved by non-invasive methods. For example, a person with very loose skin after significant weight loss might opt for a facelift rather than filler injections.

Consulting a qualified professional is essential to determine which option is best suited to your needs. A good practitioner will assess your situation, discuss your expectations, and advise you on the best approach to achieve your aesthetic goals. In short, aesthetic medicine offers quick and less restrictive solutions for moderate aesthetic improvements, while cosmetic surgery enables more profound and lasting transformations, but with more far-reaching implications.

So why choose aesthetic medicine rather than plastic surgery?

Why have aesthetic medicine?

More and more people are turning to aesthetic medicine, and for good reason. Motivations are varied, touching on both the physical and the psychological.

First, there’s appearance enhancement. Who hasn’t dreamed of erasing those little wrinkles that are starting to deepen, or restoring volume to lips that are a little too thin? Aesthetic medicine makes it possible to correct facial and body defects without the need for surgery. Whether it’s to reduce the effects of aging, erase acne scars or treat skin problems such as eczema, there are numerous solutions to suit every need.

Then there’s rejuvenation. Techniques such as botox or hyaluronic acid injections offer rapid, natural results. In just a few sessions, you can regain smoother, firmer skin and a visibly rejuvenated face. And all without the need for a general anaesthetic or long recovery periods. Procedures are minimally invasive, often painless, with short, light after-effects.

Another major advantage of aesthetic medicine is the correction of minor body defects. For example, cryolipolysis can reduce localized fat deposits without surgery. Laser treatments, meanwhile, can remove unwanted tattoos or achieve long-lasting hair removal. These techniques offer a non-invasive alternative to cosmetic surgery, with rapidly visible results and lower risks.

The psychological impact of these interventions should not be underestimated. Improving one’s appearance can considerably boost self-esteem and self-confidence. Feeling good about yourself also means feeling better in your daily life, whether at work, in society or in your personal life. Aesthetic medicine makes it possible to erase complexes that can be a real barrier to well-being.

Finally, aesthetic medicine is accessible to a wide public. There is no specific age at which it can be used, even if preventing the signs of aging is often more effective than correcting them. Procedures are reversible, allowing treatments to be adjusted over time. General practitioners, dermatologists and aesthetic surgeons can practice aesthetic medicine, provided they have undergone specific training. This guarantees serious medical supervision and safe results.

But what about the professionals who perform these procedures?

How much does an aesthetic doctor earn?

The salary of an aesthetic doctor can vary considerably, influenced by a number of factors. On average, it ranges from 4,000 to 17,000 euros per month. This wide range is explained by factors such as the practitioner’s experience, geographical location, and the type of practice he or she undertakes.

An aesthetic doctor starting out in a small town will not earn as much as an experienced practitioner practicing in a major metropolis or a well-known clinic. Notoriety also plays a crucial role. A well-established doctor, with a loyal clientele and positive reviews, can attract more patients and thus increase his or her income.

Career development is another factor to consider. A cosmetic doctor may choose to work in a hospital, open his or her own practice, or even set up a clinic. Each of these options offers different income prospects. For example, opening your own clinic may represent a significant initial investment, but the potential gains are often higher in the long term.

Finally, some aesthetic physicians choose to diversify their activities by teaching or taking part in conferences. This not only increases their income, but also enhances their reputation in the field.

A practical guide to aesthetic medicine - Beaute Serenite