Scope Of Aesthetic Medicine In Pakistan

Aesthetic medicine is a broad term that applies to any speciality that includes the process of improving a patient’s physical appearance. It involves all processes that are used to enhance features of a patient’s face and body. It is a medical field that includes dermatology and surgical practices, starting from non-invasive treatments such as chemical peels to invasive procedures such as reconstruction surgery. Aesthetic medicine is more focused upon non-surgical procedures nowadays.

 

This speciality is primarily focused on the pathophysiology of the ageing skin and sticks to scientifically based procedures. Physicians practisingaesthetic medicine are trained both in invasive and non-invasive treatments and utilise a combination of both to treat the patients.

Reasons for the rise in aesthetic medicine in Pakistan

Pakistan is an emerging country when it comes to fashion and lifestyle. People are getting aware and conscious of their physical features. The surge in Pakistan fashion industry has set new benchmarks for the physical appearances, this has led to a rise in the field of cosmetology. Gone are the days when people didn’t give a dime to their appearances. Another thing which has made people aware of their physical appearances is the increase in the use of social media. Images speak louder than words and this can be seen everywhere on social media. Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat, and Facebook are full of pictures; everyone including celebrities contribute to the social media by uploading their pictures which are seen by their fan following all over the world including Pakistan. Secondly, because people have become more accustomed to looking at their own images, they are able to see the disproportions and obvious signs of ageing on their face which they don’t like.

Unfortunately, the physicians and dermatologists in Pakistan have close to nil opportunities if they want to pursue their careers in cosmetic dermatology. In fact, the number of dermatologists and surgeons who perform the non-surgical procedure is very less altogether. The number of institutions which offer fellowship programs in aesthetic medicines or even aesthetic courses in Pakistan is close to nil. If we compare this with the first world countries, the UK is ranked number 14thon the list of top 20 countries for cosmetic procedures. More than 50,000 cosmetic procedures were performed in the year 2013-2014 and this number has doubled in the past year. Surgical procedures account for the 10% of the cosmetic procedures in the UK, while the remaining 90% constitutes of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The top five most performed cosmetic procedures in the UK are Botox, Fillers, IPL hair removal, microdermabrasion, and photo rejuvenation.

A career in aesthetic medicine is extremely rewarding and satisfying; rewarding because the cost of the treatments is generally high, and satisfying because at the end of the day you can see that your patient is leaving your clinic happy with your work, and full of self-confidence because of improved appearance. However, you have to be properly trained in the aesthetic procedures before you can embark on your journey as cosmetic dermatologists.

As we know that the number of institutions offering courses in aesthetic medicine is close to nil, there is an upcoming opportunity for all those who aspire to pursue their career in his field. Harley Street Institute is a renowned institution in London which specialises in aesthetic medicine training courses. Its affiliate clinics by the name of Cosmetics is running successfully all over the UK manned by a team of highly professional and experienced cosmetologists. Harley Street is showing an interest in opening its branch in Pakistan where the internationally accredited professors can train young aspiring doctors of Pakistan in aesthetic medicine. You can show your interest if you want to attend these training on the official website of The Harley Street Institute.