Aesthetic medicine (Scope of Practice)

Aesthetic medicine is branch of medicine, distinct from plastic surgery, focused on satisfying the aesthetic desires and goals of patients. Aesthetic medicine comprises all medical procedures in the field of Aesthetics excluding all surgical procedures which require an operating table and general anesthesia (such as breast implants, liposuction, surgery of obesity, facelifts, rhinoplasty, etc.).[1]
This specialty is primarily focused on the pathophysiology of aging skin, and adheres to scientific based procedures. Physicians practicing Aesthetic Medicine are trained in both invasive and non-invasive treatment modalities, and typically utilize a combination to meet the needs of the patient.[2]

Indications:
It can intervene
  • in the treatment of the wrinkles and the scars
  • in the ageing of the face, the hands, the low neckline and the glance
  • in the treatment of the pigmentary spots, of the disgracious blood-vessels
  • in the prevention of body ageing
  • in laser tattoo removal
The fields of competence are mesotherapy, the general medicine, biology, the dermatology, the endocrinology, gynecology, psychology.[3]

Most current non-surgical aesthetic procedures:

The real benefit of practicing Aesthetic Medicine is the type of care that physicians are offering to their patients. These procedures are elective and are performed on patients who do not suffer from illness. They are usually happy and in excellent health. They simply want a quick fix or a preventative procedure to help manage the normal effects of aging.
When performed by a trained physician, non-surgical procedures are safer than plastic surgery as they do not require general anesthesia. They are usually quicker (can be done during lunch breaks) and are preferred by patients as they do not involve a scalpel and an operating table.
Information from Wikipedia
International references: 
  1. ^ American Institute of Aesthetic Medicine, AIAM.
  2. Jump up^ International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine, IAPAM.
  3. Jump up^ fr:Médecine esthétique "Médecine ésthetique", French Wikipedia.



From Guideline on Aesthetic Medical Practice (Malaysia)

2.0 SCOPE OF PRACTICE
2.1 The basic consideration for the scope of practice in aesthetic medical practice by general practitioners is the minimum level of competence required (refer Table 1).
2.2 General practitioners are only allowed to perform non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures. The non-invasive and minimally invasive aesthetic medical procedures are as listed below:
(a) Non-invasive:

  •     Superficial chemical peels Microdermabrasion Intense pulsed light

(b) Minimally invasive:

  • Chemical peel (Medium depth)
  • Botulinum toxin injection
  • Filler injection - excluding silicone and fat
  • Skin tightening procedures-up to upper dermis (radiofrequency, infrared,ultrasound and other devices)
  • Superficial sclerotherapy
  • Lasers for treating skin pigmentation
  • Lasers for treating benign skin lesions
  • Lasers for skin rejuvenation (including non ablative)
  • Lasers for hair removal

2.3 As medical science advances, any other aesthetic medical procedures in the future that fulfil the criteria of non-invasive and minimally invasive may be added to the list upon approval by the Main Credentialing and Privileging Committee of Aesthetic Medical Practice.