Everyone wants to look their best, and having the perfect body contributes to improved self-image, confidence, and feeling good about yourself. Many people pursue weight loss programs to lose weight leaving excess skin, or the combination of weight loss and exercise does not give them the results they are looking for. Body sculpting or body contouring is interesting to many people who want extra skin removed, elimination of excess fat, and to contour or reshape an area of their body. Body sculpting can involve non-invasive procedures as well as invasive procedures or surgery to achieve the results they are looking for.
In this post, body sculpting consent forms are reviewed, what they are, and why the body sculpting consent form is important to the clinic and the patient, along with the essential elements that should be included in any consent form associated with body sculpting.
What is the Body Sculpting Consent Form?
There are several different types of body sculpting, including invasive and non-invasive procedures. All procedures have potential side effects for clients depending on their overall health status and the type of body sculpting that is being used. Invasive body sculpting includes surgical procedures such as lifts and tucks, removal of excess fat and skin, and liposuction. Non-invasive procedures include cryolipolysis, which uses cold temperatures to destroy fat cells, and injections, laser, and radiofrequency to target fat cells.
A body sculpting consent form is reviewed by the patient. Health information is provided, and the consent form is signed by the patient acknowledging the risks associated with the procedure. The primary objective of the consent form is to educate the client and absolve the body sculpting provider of any financial and legal liability associated with providing the service to the client.
Why is the Body Sculpting Consent Form Important?
The patient has expectations of what they hope will be achieved from the process. They also have pre-existing medical conditions which could impact the overall outcome of the procedure and/or place the patient at risk during the procedure. Many clients anticipate weight loss associated with body sculpting. However, while a small amount of weight may be removed, for most, it is the change in the contour of their body that is the result they are aiming for. There are risks associated with both invasive and non-invasive procedures which affect clients in a variety of ways.
Body sculpting consent forms are important for the following reasons for both the client and the body sculpting provider:
- Ensures that clients are fully informed about the planned procedure
- They have received all of the details about what the treatment involves
- Your client is aware of the risks and the benefits
- Full identification of medical health issues that would significantly increase the risk to the patient
- The treatment provider may choose to not provide treatment due to a variety of medical issues
- The client has given their permission before the procedure is started
- The treatment provider is protected from financial and legal liability
Note: The body sculpting consent form does not protect the provider from claims due to negligence in the office or from side effects from the procedure.
Essential Elements of a Body Sculpting Consent Form
Body sculpting consent forms can follow various formats. They can be straightforward or contain lots of information as well as legal terms that define the services and protect the provider. There are essential elements that should be included in every consent form. Many use templates, and these templates can contain much of the legal and health-related boilerplate that covers what the client needs to know while at the same time providing legal and financial protection for the provider.
These essential elements are as follows:
- Pre-procedure instructions and expectation management related to the specific procedure that is planned for the patient
- Full identification of the patient, including full name, address, email, and phone number
- Additional information e.g., gender, marital status, date of birth, and age
- Emergency contact including full name, phone number, and relationship
- Type of treatment and area to be treated
- Full medical history. Some medical conditions may preclude the patient from receiving the treatment. They are encouraged to see their family physician or specialist to confirm the treatment will not place them in an adverse medical situation
- Confirmation that there are no metal devices on or inside the person’s body
- Consent statement and disclosure
- Signature space and date of signature
Additional details about the essential elements of a body sculpting consent form:
Pre-procedure instructions and expectation management related to the specific procedure that is planned for the patient is an important part of the consent form. This section should address what the patient should do to prepare for the procedure concerning medications, food intake, liquid intake, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. It should also provide information to the client regarding what to expect after the procedure in terms of size reduction, weight loss, and other impacts.
Aftercare is an important element that most consent forms cover and is an important part of the success of the treatment.
Emergency contact, including full name, phone number, and relationship. The patient should also arrange for their emergency contact to pick them up after the procedure.
Type of treatment and area to be treated – surgical or non-surgical, liposuction, facelift, etc.
Areas of treatment include – the abdomen, arms, buttocks, cheeks, chin, legs, thighs, etc.
Full medical history. Some medical conditions may preclude the patient from receiving the treatment. Women who are pregnant or nursing, people who are immunocompromised, who have had organ transplants, diabetes, and other health issues may be refused treatment. They are encouraged to see their family physician or specialist to confirm the treatment will not place them in an adverse medical situation. If the patient has any concerns about related health issues, they should see their family doctor before proceeding with body sculpting.
Confirmation that there are no metal devices on or inside the person’s body. For example, if you have a pacemaker, most body sculpting professionals will not perform body sculpting. People with pins in their thighs, hips, and arms should advise the clinic before proceeding with treatment.
Consent statement and disclosure – formal consent to the treatment covering the following points:
- There is no guarantee of results
- May require several treatments
- Absolution of the clinic regarding any liabilities or injuries
- Treatment does not constitute medical care
- Acknowledgment that the client has read and understood all of the information provided
- All questions have been answered to their satisfaction
- They understand and accept all of the associated risks and have not been coerced in any way
Key Points
Body sculpting consent forms are important for both the client and the sculpting provider. The clinic is protected from frivolous claims once the client signs the consent document. Consent forms collect information about the client and inform the client regarding the risks of body sculpting and potential health complications.
Clients requesting body sculpting should be aware of potential health issues and interactions with known health issues. In many cases, the clinic will ask the client to request a review with their family doctor or specialist and receive their approval before participating in body sculpting procedures. However, even with a body sculpting consent form, the clinic is not protected from negligence while the patient is in their care.
Patients should ensure they are fully informed and understand the procedure, the risks, and the expected benefits of the procedure. Feel free to ask all the questions needed to ensure the client is fully informed.
