How do you know if a cosmetic doctor is suitable?
You have made the decision to go to a cosmetic clinic for injectable treatment with botox and/or fillers. You may have made this choice because you are bothered by a sunken face, a tired or angry appearance, or want to improve certain features in your face. Once the choice has been made, it is important to think about the next question, “where do I go for my treatment? There are many cosmetic clinics and doctors to be found these days. To clarify this, we sat down with Cosmetic Doctor KNMG Anna.
What is important in the search for a good clinic and/or doctor?
“What is very important is that you have a good feeling with your doctor and that you have confidence in them. You gain that trust by, among other things; looking at before and after photos of the doctor or clinic, reading reviews via kliniekervaringen.nl and whether a cosmetic doctor is competent. Once you have then selected a doctor, it is important to go for an initial consultation. When you are dealing with an experienced and skilled doctor, they will look at your whole face and not just the area you think you could use help with. In order to achieve the most natural result possible, a treatment plan will be drawn up. The doctor may recommend several treatments. During such a consultation, be well informed and discuss all your questions, possible fears and wishes with the doctor.”
How do you find out if a cosmetic doctor is competent?
“Sometimes it is difficult for clients to find out whether a cosmetic doctor is a good cosmetic doctor, and whether the clinic you go to also meets the highest quality standards. What you should look for is whether the doctor has a specific title. In cosmetic medicine, this means that doctors who are certified carry the title “Cosmetic Doctor KNMG. From this title, as a client, you can see that the doctor meets all the requirements of the profession. This means that the doctor is competent, has been adequately trained and has logged quite a few flight hours. The experience of a Cosmetic Doctor KNMG is incredibly large and broad, so you know immediately that you are getting good and focused advice.”
You also have the title Cosmetic Doctor KNMG, what exactly does this mean?
“Such a title means that the doctor is affiliated with the Dutch Association of Cosmetic Medicine (NVCG). This means acting according to clear guidelines that have been established, also sharing knowledge and experience among themselves to raise and maintain the level of doctors at all times. In addition, the NVCG organizes an annual congress for all KNMG doctors and several general member meetings are held each year to stay up-to-date on all developments within cosmetic medicine. But also to further publicize the profile specialty Cosmetic Doctor KNMG.”
What does a doctor have to do to get this title?
“There are many Doctors who do not yet have the certification, but are eligible for the title Cosmetic Doctor KNMG. As of July 1, 2019, it will be a protected title and we are currently in a transition phase. The so-called “transitional regulation” was created for this purpose. The transitional scheme tests doctors who meet the requirements of the label, such as the number of ‘flight hours‘ made, a large and wide range of successfully performed treatment and must undergo a visitation, in which the doctor is tested and must show a number of treatments. Doctors who meet these requirements may be eligible for the title Cosmetic Doctor KNMG until July 1, 2022. After this date, any Doctor who wishes to hold this title must undergo official training supported by the SOCG. The SOCG facilitates and encourages cooperation between training institutions.”
And do you also have to do anything to keep this title?
“In order to retain the title KNMG, as a cosmetic doctor you are visited every five years. This involves checking whether the doctor still meets the requirements of the NVCG. In addition, the doctor must demonstrate enough continuing education hours. This includes national and international conferences, participation in workshops and lectures, which doctors earn points for. This is very important to keep quality at the highest level. Every five years, every KNMG doctor must have obtained 200 points to be able to demonstrate that he or she is furthering himself or herself in cosmetic medicine.”
As a cosmetic doctor, can you be a member of the Dutch Society of Cosmetic Medicine (NVCG) even without the title KNMG?
“No, as of July 1, 2022, only registered cosmetic doctors KNMG may be members of the NVCG. This means that there really is a line drawn between cosmetic doctors with the title KNMG and without the title. Through the transitional arrangement, cosmetic Doctors have the opportunity to still obtain the title and become or remain members. For doctors who choose not to take advantage of the transitional arrangement or who do not qualify for it, they may no longer be members of the NVCG after mid-2022.”
And what does this mean for clients?
“From then on it will be much clearer for clients, because the difference will be clear between an injectable doctor and a certified Cosmetic Doctor KNMG with the official title. Then when you choose a Cosmetic Doctor KNMG, you know you have a proven good and certified practitioner. If you choose an injectable doctor without a title, it is uncertain whether this doctor has sufficient experience. This is because due to the huge number of injectable doctors, one can no longer measure how much knowledge and experience the particular doctor has. It is also uncertain how many successful treatments have been performed and whether the doctor has received training or just a few workshops.”
How does this title contribute to the safety and quality of treatments?
“The doctor has extensive experience in various treatment techniques, as well as in handling a variety of products. In addition, a Cosmetic Doctor KNMG masters a wide range of treatments. The more experience one has, the greater the safety and quality of care. When we talk about safety, people often think of the product itself. But injectable treatments are also about the doctor’s treatment and injection technique. It is important to be familiar with all techniques and to know when to apply this technique, where and with whom. Because not every injection technique is appropriate or safe for every client and therefore it is very important for the physician to be able to recognize that and apply it in the right way.”
And how can you recognize this as a doctor?
“Knowing the anatomy of the human face plays a crucial role in the safety of treatments. Every doctor in the Netherlands should be able to see through the skin, so to speak, to perform a treatment in a safe way. It is very important for cosmetic doctors to keep this knowledge up-to-date. Thus, the Van Rosmalen Kliniek offers the annual program ‘Skin Deep Anatomy‘. This is a hands-on training where daily injectable treatments are practiced on cadavers and where facial anatomy is discussed in detail. A golden combination of anatomy and technique is the common thread. This training is based on scientific insights and years of experience from certified cosmetic doctors and dermatologists NVCG.”
Are you curious what our cosmetic doctors KNMG can do for you? Then book a no-obligation consultation in Rotterdam, Nijmegen or Den Haag.
