Aesthetic medicine began as a disciplined, physician-led field - where only licensed, rigorously trained professionals performed cosmetic procedures within the safety of regulated medical clinics. Patient safety was paramount, and medical ethics guided every decision.
Today, we're witnessing a decline in the level of professionalism that should be the standard of care in the industry.
With the rising popularity of injectable treatments like Botox and fillers, aesthetic medicine has become a booming industry. But as demands grow, so does the number of inexperienced individuals entering the field, with nothing more than a weekend course supporting their credentials. Procedures once offered only in medical clinics are now performed in home basements, at parties, and by individuals with no formal medical oversight.
This shift has raised important questions about professionalism - and the real consequences of its decline.
In the United States, multiple cases of botulism have recently been reported - caused by counterfeit Botox used in unlicensed clinics. In another case, a series of HIV infections were traced back to platelet-rich plasma microneedling treatments, also known as the "vampire facial," performed at a spa operating without proper medical licenses.
What’s especially alarming is how often these incidents remain hidden. While these events made headlines south of the border, similar dangers exist right here in Canada. Individuals who suffer these complications may wrongly blame themselves for making a “bad choice,” rather than recognizing the broader systemic problem: a lack of accountability and professionalism in aesthetic medicine.
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Real Patients, Real Consequences
In our own clinic, we have seen the fallout firsthand. Patients often come to us for help after being abandoned by unqualified injectors or misinformed by those who lack the expertise to manage complications.
One young woman came to us after experiencing severe pain and a sudden change in lip colour following an injection elsewhere. Initially reassured by the provider and sent home, her symptoms worsened. By the time she reached us, clinical signs pointed to a vascular occlusion - the starvation of the skin from its supply of oxygen due to filler injected into the blood vessels, blocking the flow. Using ultrasound-guided imaging and hyaluronidase, we were able to reverse the occlusion just in time. She recovered fully, but not every story ends as well.
What Professionalism Looks Like
At Dermetics, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of medical professionalism.
Our nurse injectors complete intensive, industry-leading preceptorships under direct physician supervision. We invest in advanced technologies - like high-resolution ultrasound - to ensure the safest possible filler injections. And we actively advocate for stronger regulation in aesthetic medicine, because every patient deserves expert care and full transparency.
Professionalism means understanding that every face, every treatment, and every decision matters. It’s not about trends or social media likes - it’s about responsibility, humility, and an unwavering commitment to safety.
What You Can Do
If you’re considering aesthetic treatment, take the time to research your provider’s credentials. Ask where they were trained, who supervises them, and what safety protocols are in place if something goes wrong.
And if you’ve had a negative experience, you are not alone - and you can help drive change. Report unsafe or unprofessional practices to your provincial regulatory college. By speaking up, you help protect others and raise the bar for everyone in the industry.
Because in aesthetic medicine, professionalism isn’t optional. It’s everything.
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