GAIA Association will soon, on September 28, 2025, hold its second annual conference, where once again doctors of different profiles, leading specialists in aesthetic medicine, will gather together to discuss the most acute challenges in aesthetic medicine, the ways of overcoming them, the new trends and approaches that exist in international practice, and the necessity of bringing them to Georgia as well.
Cosmetology is not only the beauty industry, it is a medical field that requires deep knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Nevertheless, today many patients are treated by unqualified personnel, who neither have the proper education nor practical experience. As a result, we often encounter inadequate sterilization, incorrectly chosen products or techniques, which increase the risk of complications. This is exactly why it is necessary to raise awareness in society that cosmetology interventions must be performed only by certified doctors who follow all safety standards.
Cosmetology is a field that, alongside different skills, requires good knowledge of fundamental subjects, professionalism, and high-quality medical education. These subjects are taught in medical universities and later in residency. Therefore, doctors working in the dermatology–cosmetology field study anatomy much longer and more deeply. Without such fundamental education, an unqualified person working as a cosmetologist usually does not have this knowledge. Because of incomplete knowledge of anatomy, improperly performed procedures are frequent. Among the most dangerous manipulations are injections. Administering a solution into the skin or subcutaneous space with a needle is already a highly responsible task for cosmetologists. It is even more dangerous when such a procedure is performed by an inexperienced person — it may cause significant side effects. One of the most frequent and statistically dangerous interventions is the use of fillers. Even procedures performed by highly qualified dermatologists–cosmetologists can sometimes lead to complications — imagine how much greater the risk is when a filler is injected by an inexperienced cosmetologist.
What complications can follow seemingly “simple” cosmetology procedures
Doctors in cosmetology distinguish mild and serious complications. Fortunately, mild complications are much more common, such as the foreign body development syndrome, when the filler is injected in the wrong place or later changes its position, which fortunately can be treated. As for serious complications, these are tissue necrosis, and even blindness in some cases, if the needle enters a certain blood vessel or the wrong area.
How can patients recognize unprofessional personnel or protect themselves from an unqualified cosmetologist?
First of all, the patient must critically evaluate the situation. They should look at what type of clinic they are in, whether it is a highly qualified clinic that meets hygiene and equipment standards. We must remember that sterilization conditions are necessary. Patients should avoid undergoing injection procedures in places such as home-based offices.
Second, it is necessary for the patient to know who is performing the procedure, who the cosmetologist is, where they received their education, what type of experience they have, and where they have done their practice.
Third, it is essential to ask what type of product the doctor is using. Remember, any product must be certified either by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Fourth, patients should know what expectations they should have. What is the goal of the procedure, and what results can be expected after it is performed. Cosmetologists must explain all of this in detail before any procedure. If a cosmetologist does not have the ability to deliver this information clearly and professionally, this should also raise distrust.
Finally, it is necessary to raise the general medical education level of patients. A patient should have a general idea of what type of procedure they are having and what results to expect. They should know what product is being used and also be aware of the cosmetologist’s qualifications. Of course, feedback with the cosmetologist is necessary. There must be ongoing communication regarding how recovery is progressing after the procedure — how the patient feels on the second, third day, or after one week.
I would like to emphasize that a rational approach is very important. A patient may want to undergo many procedures, but it is the cosmetologist’s responsibility to evaluate these wishes, the real needs and risks, and what outcomes each procedure will have. In cosmetology we often encounter body dysmorphic disorder, when a person has an obsessive idea that a certain part of their body or their overall appearance is extremely flawed, and therefore they try to hide it or correct it. This is a psychiatric diagnosis. Research has established that patients who very frequently undergo filler procedures often develop dysmorphic disorder and become dependent on cosmetic procedures. Therefore, when a doctor sees that a patient may have such a disorder, it is essential to consider whether performing the procedure is appropriate. Unfortunately, neglecting this often leads to misunderstandings and aggravation of problems. In such cases it is better to refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Thus, to briefly summarize: cosmetology procedures should not be considered as simple aesthetic services; they are regarded as medical interventions that require knowledge, responsibility, and experience. Patients must play an active role in protecting their own safety: checking the specialist’s qualifications, ensuring the quality of products, and choosing clinics that maintain hygiene and safety standards. For their part, cosmetologists must explain to patients all the risks and results of a procedure in full. Only under such shared responsibility will it be possible to reduce complications and establish a safe, rational approach in Georgian cosmetology.
