TELEGRAPH ,CALCUTTA INDIA
When fair is foul
Go for a cosmetic treatment to bring on that glowing look. But make sure that it is administered by a trained professional, says Shabina Akhtar
Look Sharp
1 Go to certified clinics with trained cosmetologists and dermatologists2 Don’t try to fix all your skin-related issues at one go3 Ask for receipts for the procedures carried out4 Ask for brochures making claims for the treatments on offer5 In case of side effects about which you were not informed, approach a consumer rights organisation which will help you exercise your rights and claim compensation
Twenty-five-year-old Sheetal Sarwar wanted to look her best on her engagement day. A quick consultation with a dermatologist made her opt for a glycolic peel treatment (a chemical treatment where glycolic acid solution is applied to one’s skin to bring about a glowing look).
But Sheetal had to pay a heavy price for the quick fix. Soon after the treatment, her skin became a shade darker. Shocked and depressed, she rushed to the doctor, only to be told that it was a side effect of the treatment.
Urvashi Deshmukh, a BPO executive, suffered a similar fate. She went for a chemical peel at a local beauty salon. But instead of the usual three minutes, the peel wasn’t removed until after 12 minutes. By then the area around her cheekbone had developed ulcer-like marks. It took her another six months to get rid of the scars.
Dermatologists and cosmetologists say cases of scars, skin burns and hyperpigmentation (increased level of skin colour pigment melanin) have become quite common as most people go for cosmetic treatments by untrained professionals who have little or no knowledge of skin care. “Those who want to go for botox, laser, filler, skin tightening and polishing treatments need to understand that these are safe procedures only if carried out in a proper manner by qualified professionals. Unfortunately, most salons and clinics do not have trained persons to carry out these procedures,” says Dr Kshitija Rao of Perfect Image, a cosmetology centre in Mumbai.
Specialised cosmetic treatment that involves the use of chemicals requires a complete knowledge of skin anatomy, skin types, skin sensitivity, possible complications, the right dosage of chemicals, and the physiological responses to the treatment being offered. According to Dr Sachin Verma, consultant dermatologist at Apollo Gleneagles, Calcutta, more often than not beauticians lack such knowledge. “These treatments require counselling and the consent of the person seeking such treatment, which is rarely taken at a beauty parlour,” he says.
Wrongly administered skin treatment can lead to skin burns, permanent scars, de-pigmentation of skin or complications like allergy and skin infections, say experts.
And it is not just the way the treatment is administered. The consumer may suffer side effects also because of the quality of equipment and chemicals used. “Many a time beauty clinics compromise on the quality of the products used. This might cause problems if you have a sensitive skin,” warns Dr Geetanjali Shetty, a consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist at Kapadia Multispeciality Hospital, Mumbai.
Dermatologists say that before going for these specialised skin treatments, it is important to know all about the process involved. “Look it up on the Internet. Try to find out all the information related to the treatment, especially the side effects. In case of doubt, consult a well known dermatologist or cosmetologist,” advises Dr Verma.
You could also request a detailed counselling session with a beauty expert and find out the side effects, if any. If your skin treatment requires you to sign a consent form, read it carefully before signing it. Also, you should not shy away from questioning a consultant about the chemicals used in the treatment and then cross-checking the information with other experts.
According to Dr Shetty, consumers often fall victim to wrong or improper cosmetic treatment because of their undue faith in beauticians. “Frequent visits to beauty parlours lead people to trust their regular beautician, which often prompts them to go for such treatments without consulting a dermatologist,” she says.
“Disasters occur when personalised treatment is missing in skin care. It is better to opt for the right kind of professionals who can give you your money’s worth,” adds Grihita Arora, a beauty consultant at AN John salon, Calcutta.
But what can you do if you do fall victim to botched cosmetic treatment? According to Preeti Shah, director of the Ahmedabad-based Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC), a consumer should always fight it out if he or she suffers from improperly administered beauty treatment.
“Every cosmetic treatment has side effects. But in case of negligence, consumers can sue the salon or the doctor under the Consumer Protection Act and claim compensation. But instead of seeking legal remedy, most consumers run to a dermatologist to fix the damage,” she says.
A receipt can bolster your case and prove that you have undergone a particular treatment at a beauty clinic. “In case you don’t get the desired result or develop some complications, a receipt makes it easier to establish your case and claim compensation,” says M.S. Kamath, general secretary of the Mumbai-based Consumer Guidance Society of India.
So, act with caution and read the fine print before going for cosmetic procedures. For while you need to look good, you need to be safe too.
Go for a cosmetic treatment to bring on that glowing look. But make sure that it is administered by a trained professional, says Shabina Akhtar
Look Sharp
1 Go to certified clinics with trained cosmetologists and dermatologists2 Don’t try to fix all your skin-related issues at one go3 Ask for receipts for the procedures carried out4 Ask for brochures making claims for the treatments on offer5 In case of side effects about which you were not informed, approach a consumer rights organisation which will help you exercise your rights and claim compensation
Twenty-five-year-old Sheetal Sarwar wanted to look her best on her engagement day. A quick consultation with a dermatologist made her opt for a glycolic peel treatment (a chemical treatment where glycolic acid solution is applied to one’s skin to bring about a glowing look).
But Sheetal had to pay a heavy price for the quick fix. Soon after the treatment, her skin became a shade darker. Shocked and depressed, she rushed to the doctor, only to be told that it was a side effect of the treatment.
Urvashi Deshmukh, a BPO executive, suffered a similar fate. She went for a chemical peel at a local beauty salon. But instead of the usual three minutes, the peel wasn’t removed until after 12 minutes. By then the area around her cheekbone had developed ulcer-like marks. It took her another six months to get rid of the scars.
Dermatologists and cosmetologists say cases of scars, skin burns and hyperpigmentation (increased level of skin colour pigment melanin) have become quite common as most people go for cosmetic treatments by untrained professionals who have little or no knowledge of skin care. “Those who want to go for botox, laser, filler, skin tightening and polishing treatments need to understand that these are safe procedures only if carried out in a proper manner by qualified professionals. Unfortunately, most salons and clinics do not have trained persons to carry out these procedures,” says Dr Kshitija Rao of Perfect Image, a cosmetology centre in Mumbai.
Specialised cosmetic treatment that involves the use of chemicals requires a complete knowledge of skin anatomy, skin types, skin sensitivity, possible complications, the right dosage of chemicals, and the physiological responses to the treatment being offered. According to Dr Sachin Verma, consultant dermatologist at Apollo Gleneagles, Calcutta, more often than not beauticians lack such knowledge. “These treatments require counselling and the consent of the person seeking such treatment, which is rarely taken at a beauty parlour,” he says.
Wrongly administered skin treatment can lead to skin burns, permanent scars, de-pigmentation of skin or complications like allergy and skin infections, say experts.
And it is not just the way the treatment is administered. The consumer may suffer side effects also because of the quality of equipment and chemicals used. “Many a time beauty clinics compromise on the quality of the products used. This might cause problems if you have a sensitive skin,” warns Dr Geetanjali Shetty, a consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist at Kapadia Multispeciality Hospital, Mumbai.
Dermatologists say that before going for these specialised skin treatments, it is important to know all about the process involved. “Look it up on the Internet. Try to find out all the information related to the treatment, especially the side effects. In case of doubt, consult a well known dermatologist or cosmetologist,” advises Dr Verma.
You could also request a detailed counselling session with a beauty expert and find out the side effects, if any. If your skin treatment requires you to sign a consent form, read it carefully before signing it. Also, you should not shy away from questioning a consultant about the chemicals used in the treatment and then cross-checking the information with other experts.
According to Dr Shetty, consumers often fall victim to wrong or improper cosmetic treatment because of their undue faith in beauticians. “Frequent visits to beauty parlours lead people to trust their regular beautician, which often prompts them to go for such treatments without consulting a dermatologist,” she says.
“Disasters occur when personalised treatment is missing in skin care. It is better to opt for the right kind of professionals who can give you your money’s worth,” adds Grihita Arora, a beauty consultant at AN John salon, Calcutta.
But what can you do if you do fall victim to botched cosmetic treatment? According to Preeti Shah, director of the Ahmedabad-based Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC), a consumer should always fight it out if he or she suffers from improperly administered beauty treatment.
“Every cosmetic treatment has side effects. But in case of negligence, consumers can sue the salon or the doctor under the Consumer Protection Act and claim compensation. But instead of seeking legal remedy, most consumers run to a dermatologist to fix the damage,” she says.
A receipt can bolster your case and prove that you have undergone a particular treatment at a beauty clinic. “In case you don’t get the desired result or develop some complications, a receipt makes it easier to establish your case and claim compensation,” says M.S. Kamath, general secretary of the Mumbai-based Consumer Guidance Society of India.
So, act with caution and read the fine print before going for cosmetic procedures. For while you need to look good, you need to be safe too.
