Is it safe to go to an aesthetics clinic during the pandemic?

With infection levels rising and increasing restrictions, those seeking anti-aging treatments might be concerned about Covid-19 security in aesthetics clinics.

The team at La Ross Aesthetics have seen a big increase in people enquiring about various treatments during Covid-19. Image: La Ross Aesthetics (Image: Archant)

Kate Monteith-Ross is the owner and Director of La Ross Aesthetics in Gillingham and Rochester. Whilst completing her Masters in Adult Nursing, she spends her time between practice and her clinics where she offers a wide range of advanced non-surgical cosmetic procedures as well as supplements and a range of cruelty free, vegan skincare.

She explains her clinic has a holistic approach and as well as offering treatments they also work with other organisations so their clients can access support in healthy eating, fitness and mental health.

And she says that as long as practices are implementing stringent safety measures, clients can be reassured.

Kate Monteith-Ross, a Masters in Adult Nursing Student originally from Manchester also runs a Nationwide training school. Image: La Ross Aesthetics (Image: Archant)

Q: What Covid safety measures are in place in aesthetics clinics?

At La Ross Aesthetics we conduct consultations virtually where possible. Our clinic is zoned, and we have taken measures, such as removing magazines and drinks, and asking people to complete a Covid risk assessment form before arriving. This asks if they have been in contact with anyone with symptoms or are generally feeling unwell. We also ask if they are from a high risk area and whether they have been abroad. If they have been abroad, we ask them not to come to the clinic for 14 days. All patients must have the NHS app and have their temperature taken before entering the treatment zone; they are not allowed to bring anyone or any belongings with them and in addition to sanitising their hands, they are asked to wear the full PPE we provide them with. In our treatment area we have an air filtration system and the clinic is deep cleaned between treatments.

Q: Are many people currently booking appointments with aesthetics practices?

Yes, all the ladies at the clinic are busier than ever. What is noticeable is the increase in patients visiting the clinic seeking extreme changes and emotionally struggling with the pandemic. We have always had patients that suffer with body dysmorphia and seek the treatments when actually they need support and as a clinic all staff are trained to identify those with such barriers. We are proud to work alongside VA Counselling Services, to be able to provide access to support if needed.

Q: Why is a clinic such as yours so important at a time like this?

Because of the pandemic, a lot of the services that exist to support vulnerable people are not operating as normal. For some, their visit to our clinic is the only interaction they are having. Sometimes they need to off-load, and we need to listen. I started our clinic six years ago and today the team also includes Claire Wright, a registered and prescribing nurse; Harriet Hughes, also a registered nurse; Leeann Laramee, an advanced beauty therapist and Microblading Artist; Kirsty Ullman, a student nurse, Charlotte Watson, an advanced beauty therapist; Samantha Beer, an advanced beauty therapist and clinic manager. We are highly trained but cannot give clinical advice. Yet we are in a position of trust and should support and signpost our patients as much as we can. Every year, in addition to our team undergoing basic life support training, I arrange for them to attend workshops on mental health and body dysmorphia with local psychologists and counselling services.

Q: Overall, therefore, how safe is it to visit an aesthetics clinic?

It is very safe as long as all the right measures are in place. Whether you are in an acute hospital setting or a clinic, there are pathways, structures and frameworks that need to be followed. The success of those measures, however, depends on how compliant you are and whether there is consistency. At our clinic my job is to continually monitor our compliance and to ensure there is always consistency.

For more information visit larossaesthetics.com or call 01634 300950