In recent years, the beauty industry in the UK (and around the world) has seen a significant shift towards diversity and inclusivity. Gender-neutral beauty products, make-up for the full range of skin tones and beauty across generations, to name a few.
This is a positive step that we at Dr Aesthetica would love to see continue, particularly in the field of non-surgical aesthetics. It sounds obvious that aesthetic clinics offering injectables and skin treatments need to be more inclusive, right?
But unfortunately, training and technology often lag behind society. The development and marketing of non-surgical cosmetic treatments still lack representation and understanding of diverse skin types, age groups, genders, and ethnicities.
That's why at our medical aesthetics clinic in Birmingham, UK, we've been big proponents of skinclusivity. This means electing treatments and technologies that take into account all skin types and tones.
By championing diversity and inclusivity in non-surgical aesthetic treatments, our clinic has been quite successful in ensuring our patients have access to safe and effective treatments tailored to their individual needs.
We believe it's time to stop marketing non-surgical aesthetic treatments as a one-size-fits-all solution. In this post, I'll address why diversity and inclusivity is the most important "trend" in non-surgical aesthetic treatments in 2023 and beyond.
The Importance of Diversity and Inclusivity in Non-Surgical Aesthetic Treatments
Creating a Safe and Welcoming Environment
One of the key benefits of diversity and inclusivity in non-surgical aesthetic treatments is that it helps to create a safe and welcoming environment for all patients. By acknowledging and respecting the diverse backgrounds and identities of our patients, we can help to reduce feelings of anxiety or discomfort that can arise during these treatments.
We achieve this by training our staff to be culturally competent and sensitive to the needs of all patients. This includes providing training on how to communicate effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds, as well as ensuring that our clinic is accessible to patients with disabilities. This is the way to build a stronger and more compassionate community within our industry.
Meeting the Needs of Diverse Patients
Another important aspect of diversity and inclusivity in non-surgical aesthetic treatments is the ability to respond to the needs of different patients. This includes understanding the unique concerns and preferences of patients from different cultural backgrounds, as well as patients who identify as LGBTQ+.
By personalising each patient's treatment plan, we can ensure that their particular needs and preferences are addressed. This includes using products and techniques specifically designed for patients with different skin types.
For example, one of the newest additions to our clinic, the NuEra Tight RadioFrequency Skin Tightening by Lumenis, is highly customisable to achieve optimal results for everyone, regardless of skin colour, tone or type.
This can also mean providing gender-affirming treatments for transgender patients. For instance, using injectable fillers to create a more feminine or masculine facial structure. Ultimately, the key to meeting the needs of diverse patients is to look at each patient as an individual, take the time to listen to their
concerns and preferences, and together create a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs. In this way, we are able to ensure that each patient feels seen, heard and valued, and receives the best possible care and outcomes.
Promoting Positive Body Image
Diversity and inclusivity in non-surgical aesthetic treatments can also help promote a positive body image. By embracing diversity in all its forms, we can help challenge narrow beauty standards and promote a more inclusive and accepting view of beauty.
At our clinic, we believe that every patient deserves to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. By promoting a positive body image and self-esteem, we can help our patients feel less self-conscious and more fulfilled in their lives.
This mission is clearly reflected in the first sentence on our About page:
We want to empower everyone who walks through our clinic doors to be able to look in the mirror and see a happier, brighter version of themselves.
Learn more about our values here.
I'll briefly mention one benefit we have experienced by embracing diversity and inclusivity in how we offer our skincare and anti ageing services.
Improved Patient Satisfaction and Loyalty
Putting in the work to better understand the unique needs and preferences of each patient has led to more personalised and effective treatments. When patients feel heard and understood, they are more likely to be satisfied with their treatment and return for future appointments.
If our stellar Google reviews are anything to go by, this has resulted in increased patient satisfaction and loyalty.
This is not surprising since patients are increasingly looking for clinics that align with their values and beliefs. Promoting diversity and inclusivity has definitely helped us stand out from the competition.
By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, we continue to attract new patients and build a positive reputation in the community.
Let’s end this post with some practical examples of how medical aesthetic clinics can embrace diversity and inclusion in their practices.
- Providing gender-neutral language and forms for intake and consent so that all clients feel seen and respected regardless of their gender identity.
- Using equipment that can be adapted to different body types and sizes, such as larger chairs or adjustable treatment tables, to ensure all clients feel comfortable during treatment.
- Creating an environment that is accessible to individuals with disabilities, such as installing ramps, grab bars or wider doorways to assist clients with mobility or physical limitations.
- Providing skin care treatments and products for a wide range of skin types, including darker skin tones that are often underrepresented in the beauty industry. Our Neura Tight RF treatment is a perfect example of this.
- Promoting body positivity and self-acceptance by avoiding stigmatising language and instead celebrating individual beauty in all forms.
- Offering a range of gender-affirming treatments, including facial feminisation and masculinisation treatments.
- Offering payment plans or tiered pricing to make non-surgical aesthetic treatments more affordable and accessible to clients with varying financial situations.
- Hiring a diverse workforce that reflects the diversity of the community, including individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender, and sexual orientation.
Does this resonate with you?
Click here to learn more or book your next non-surgical cosmetic/ anti ageing treatment with at Dr Aesthetica.
