5 Point Checklist for Facial Aesthetics

5 October 2017
Categories: Facial Aesthetics
Tagged with: ,

When it comes to any Botox or Filler Aesthetics treatment it is important to consider a number of points to ensure that you are in safe hands. The industry is still largely unregulated and therefore the risks can be high in the absence of checks being carried out.

A recent study has shown that 5 in 6 patients who underwent Botulinum Toxin (Botox) treatment for wrinkle reduction, had no knowledge of what exactly was being injected. Furthermore, in many cases patients were unaware if the person administering the treatment had been trained to do so. Many had been injected in a non-clinical environment by unqualified practitioners which in some cases led to them seeking specialist medical help to correct the result.

The below is a guide to what to know when considering Botox & Fillers:

Physician: Check background information. Are you seeing a qualified Doctor? Ask for their credentials. Do they specialise in ‘Cosmetic Medicine’. Practitioners need training in a variety of areas to give injectable cosmetic treatments. These include how to deal with a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and other adverse reactions to treatment.

How long have they been practising?

Location: Treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers should only be carried out in a clean, safe and appropriate clinical environment to avoid infection and permanent physical damage. Where will you be seen for treatment? Are the premises registered and is the business regulated (Care Quality Commission)? When visiting, consider what are you’re immediate thoughts on the hygiene standards and general environment? You are undergoing a medical treatment and standards should be in line with this!

Consultation: Have you been given an informed consent form? Has your full medical history been covered? Has the treatment been explained in full (and alternatives covered) and have you had an opportunity to ask any questions? Ensure that you know the brand of product which is being administered. All major brands have manufacturer sites – do your research.

Treatment: Has the treatment process been explained in full, this should include: how the treatment is administered; immediate post treatment side effects and outcome; post treatment guidelines and after care. Do you get a follow up following treatment? Is this included in the initial cost (this is good practice for Botox!). Will you see the same doctor for follow up?

Pricing: Ensure you understand reasonable and excessive pricing. Be cautious of ‘special offers’, particulary on Botox and Dermal Fillers and what seem to be significantly cheaper rates. Be cautious of 3rd party discount websites selling cheaper treatments. These are medical products and as such have certain associated premiums. If it sounds too good to be true, maybe it is. Then question who you are seeing and the product used.

Substance: While Botox is a prescription-only medicine, dermal fillers are not currently treated as such in the UK and can be bought in various outlets, as well as online. While this is legal, we advise people to be extremely careful when dealing with any cosmetic injectables. Some dermal fillers are permanent and can be dangerous in the wrong hands.Knowledge: You cannot ask too many questions. If you have any additional questions or queries regarding cosmetic treatments, don’t be scared to ask.

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