This is a sector in which demand is growing: aesthetic medicine. In Switzerland, some doctors therefore decide to devote part or all of their practice to it. These medical procedures are carried out outside of insurance and can earn more.
Botox, hyaluronic acid, “Nanofat grafting”: like specialized practices, the different aesthetic medicine techniques continue to multiply.
Demand is constantly increasing. Unlike surgery, aesthetic medicine aims to be less invasive. Hospitalization is also not necessary and practitioners promise a “more natural result”.
Janni Galatoire is one of these general practitioners who decided to change direction. She, who practiced in France, is now medical director in a Geneva institute. Thanks to this, she was also able to reduce her activity rate.
A more lucrative specialization
Did financial reasons play an important role in his decision? As a health professional, “we are not necessarily motivated by this at the start,” she assures. At least it is not “the main reason” which should push a general practitioner in this direction, according to her.
We are using more and more [la médecine esthétique] in ophthalmology and sports medicine
However, more and more doctors are starting to offer aesthetic medicine, full-time or in parallel with their usual role.
At the Department of Health and Social Action of the Canton of Vaud (DSAS), calls to inquire about the legal framework governing injections, for example, keep coming.
“Aesthetic medicine has developed a lot in recent years” in “various specialties”, recognizes Violette Parzin, president of the Swiss Society of Aesthetic Medicine. The techniques developed are now also used in ophthalmology or sports medicine.
Treatments borne by patients
Should we fear that doctors will turn away from their specialization, particularly in areas where shortages loom? The FMH puts the phenomenon into perspective.
“Some practicing doctors […] have developed a mixed activity including complementary medicine and, for some, aesthetic medicine”, responds Philippe Eggimann, vice-president of the FMH, in writing.
He further emphasizes that the latter is not reimbursed by compulsory health insurance, the cost of these treatments is therefore entirely the responsibility of the patients.
>> See also the Mise au Point report on the danger of illegal injections:
TV topic: Léandre Duggan
Adaptation web: Doreen Enssle
