Aesthetics for the dermatology patient. Yay or Nay?

To make aesthetically appealing simply refers to making something look more visually inviting. For the skin, this would refer to reduction of age related wrinkles and spots, improvement in pigmentation, removal of unwanted tags and benign tumors or just straightforward skin rejuvenation.

Dermatology has evolved in Nigeria over the last decade. Aesthetic procedures were often put in the back burner even when that was all the patient requested for during consultation. It was a sore topic that patients and doctors didn’t want to bring up. But truly the world has evolved from that now. In developed countries, aesthetic dermatology is part of regular skin health though patients pay out of pocket for that.

You hear statements like…”Oh my botox is wearing off” or “My fillers need to be topped up”. We’re still not at this level in Nigeria yet….perhaps because of sociocultural reasons. But trust me…there’s been an increase in demand for aesthetic procedures whether openly or codedly. Lol.

We all know the feel good hormone dopamine. That hormone that makes you feel good when you’re complimented. The same hormone that is involved in sex? Yes. When people compliment you and tell you how beautiful you look….this hormone is the one answering. So with aesthetic procedures when properly done…your skin and face pops. You look into a mirror and you’re like ‘Wow’!. So you say to yourself….Perhaps one more lip filler and some more botox here and there. Perhaps I should even get some surgery for my abs. And the cycle continues.

I remember the first time I had an aesthetic procedure done. It was for removal of these tags called DPNs on my face. I couldn’t believe how much it transformed me. I also have acne prone skin and open pores….so I have done a couple of chemical peels. But I admit to myself that my peels are more for facial rejuvenation now. After some series of peels….even the person that sells meat to me at the market kept telling me how great I was looking. So I tell myself…Just one more peel. Lol

It is human nature to desire what makes us look good. And not knowing when to stop might be dangerous. Some people end up with botched surgeries because they kept going back for more even when they were advised not to. They go to the extent of doctor shopping as they would have been turned down by a couple of doctors.

Remember that all procedures may be associated with complications which may be minor or major. I recently had a microneedling procedure done and I had post inflammatory hyperpigmentation afterwards (which can happen). It is important to have ample information about all the benefits and risks associated with any of these procedures and what can be done if these complications occur. If you ever have a complication from an aesthetic procedure, please don’t panic. Just go back to the certified aesthetician or dermatologist/surgeon that carried out the procedure and you’ll discuss how to manage these complications. Death may occur during any surgery from a number of factors. If you have signed an informed consent and the procedure was done the proper way…..it doesn’t matter if the surgeon is torn to smithereens on social media….you must have been aware that death can be a complication and as such..the surgeon is covered.

So to do or not to do? That is completely up to you. The quality of life of an individual is determined by the combination of factors that the person deems necessary to achieve a balance in all spheres of life including emotional, physical and financial. Be sure you are in competent hands before doing any aesthetic procedure. Most importantly….read about the benefits and risks/complications associated with the procedure.

And on a lighter note…have someone you can listen to that will pull your ears when you’re going way over the edge. Inugo? Sotigbo? Kun jiko?


Any questions, comments or clarifications?