Safeguarding in Aesthetics: Protecting Your Patients, Your Practice, and Your Reputation

By Eddie Hooker, Founder and CEO of Hamilton Fraser

In the world of aesthetics, safeguarding shouldn’t just be seen as a regulatory box to tick, it’s a fundamental part of running a professional, trustworthy, and ethical practice. Whether you’re newly qualified or have been in the industry for years, creating a safe and respectful environment protects both your patients and your business. It’s about integrity, reputation, and risk management.

At Hamilton Fraser, we see how issues around safeguarding are not always given the attention they deserve until something goes wrong. So, I want to share some practical advice to help practitioners think proactively about how they manage risk and patient welfare in their daily work.

Clinical Photography: A Legal and Ethical Essential

One of the most overlooked areas of safeguarding comes down to clinical photography. Most malpractice and indemnity policies, including those underwritten by Hamilton Fraser require you to take before and after photos as part of your record-keeping. If a claim or allegation is made against you and you don’t have those photos, you could be in breach of your policy terms. That’s a serious risk, and one that’s easily avoided.

But it’s not just about taking the photos it’s about how you take them. You need to think carefully about the patient’s comfort. Are you offering a chaperone? Have you asked whether they’d prefer to have someone they trust in the room with them, such as a partner or family member? If you do use a chaperone, make sure they’re appropriate for the setting and that the patient gives permission for them to be present.

Handling images securely

Another area where safeguarding and professionalism meet is in how you handle those images after they’re taken. It should go without saying, but under no circumstances should clinical photos be posted online or used for marketing unless you have explicit, documented consent from the patient. Even then, think carefully about what you’re sharing, who can access it, and how it’s stored. Images must be kept securely and used only for legitimate clinical or legal purposes.

Documentation and communication are your best defence

Safeguarding also extends to how you record and communicate everything that happens in your clinic. Aesthetic procedures often involve intimate settings and close one-to-one interactions. This naturally introduces a degree of vulnerability and unfortunately, the possibility of unfounded or even malicious allegations.

If that happens, it can quickly turn into a case of your word against the patient’s. That’s why it is important to maintain accurate, thorough record-keeping. Make sure your clinical notes are complete, professional, and ideally signed by the patient to confirm their accuracy.

Always offer a chaperone

Finally, I recommend every practitioner to offer a chaperone for treatments where clothing is removed or where the patient might feel exposed. Even if the patient declines, the fact that you offered demonstrates a safeguarding mindset and adds a layer of protection for you both.

Trust is built on safeguarding

Ultimately, safeguarding in aesthetics is about much more than compliance. It’s about building trust, showing respect, and creating a secure environment where your patients feel safe and you can practice confidently.

By taking these steps, you’re not only protecting your patients, but you’re also protecting your business, your license, and your reputation.