PERSONALISED CONSULTATION & INFORMATION

A personalised consultation is provided before any treatment. We will discuss your concerns, expectations and relevant medical history, and assess whether a muscle-relaxing treatment is appropriate for you.

Depending on your individual needs and clinical assessment, different treatment options may be discussed. Where appropriate, this may include a prescription-only medicine containing botulinum toxin type A.

A consultation does not automatically lead to treatment. Any prescription treatment is only considered where the prescriber has assessed that it is appropriate and suitable for the individual.

WHAT IS BOTULINUM TOXIN?

Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine that temporarily reduces nerve signals to selected muscles. This reduces muscle activity in the treated area for a period of time.

Botox® is a brand name for a specific botulinum toxin type A product. Other botulinum toxin products are also available, including Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Alluzience®, Letybo®, Nuceiva® and Relfydess®.

These products are not simply interchangeable versions of the same medicine. Their authorised indications, formulations, dosing recommendations and administration requirements can differ. Treatment is therefore selected and planned according to the particular product, the relevant prescribing information and the individual patient. (GOV.UK)

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Botulinum toxin works by temporarily reducing the nerve signals responsible for muscle contraction.

When injected into an appropriately selected muscle, its activity is reduced for a period of time. The effect is temporary and gradually wears off as normal nerve-to-muscle communication returns.

The response varies between individuals and depends on factors including the muscles treated, individual anatomy, muscle strength, movement patterns, the product selected and the treatment plan.

Treatment is therefore not based on a standard injection pattern for everyone.

FACIAL MUSCLE ACTIVITY

Facial expression is produced by the coordinated movement of many different muscles.

Repeated contraction of certain facial muscles can contribute to dynamic facial lines, particularly in areas such as the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes.

Where appropriate, reducing the activity of selected muscles may reduce the appearance of dynamic lines while allowing natural facial movement to remain.

The intention is not to eliminate normal expression, but to make an appropriate adjustment to muscle activity according to the individual's anatomy and facial movement.

MUSCLE BALANCE & FACIAL CONTOUR

Muscles also contribute to facial shape and movement.

Different muscles can pull facial structures in different directions. Careful assessment of muscle activity may therefore be relevant when considering treatment for certain facial concerns.

Where appropriate, selective reduction of muscle activity may be discussed as one possible treatment option. The suitability of a particular treatment area depends on the individual assessment and the specific product being considered.

No particular treatment area is assumed to be suitable for every person.

OTHER CLINICAL USES

Botulinum toxin is also used medically for a range of conditions. Depending on the specific product, authorised uses may include conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and certain neurological or muscular conditions.

The authorised indications vary between products. For this reason, treatment should always be considered according to the relevant product information rather than assuming that every botulinum toxin product can be used for every condition or treatment area. (GOV.UK)

YOUR CONSULTATION

During your consultation, I will consider:

your individual concerns and expectations

facial anatomy and muscle activity

movement patterns

relevant medical history

previous treatments

the suitability of the proposed treatment

the appropriate product, where treatment is considered suitable

potential benefits, limitations and risks

The treatment plan is individualised rather than based on a fixed injection pattern.

A prescription-only treatment may or may not be recommended following consultation.

DIFFERENT PRODUCTS, DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS

Although Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Alluzience®, Letybo®, Nuceiva® and Relfydess® all contain botulinum toxin, they are different authorised medicinal products.

Their product information specifies the conditions, treatment areas, dosing and administration requirements for which they are authorised.

Importantly, botulinum toxin units are not interchangeable between products. The product and dose must therefore be considered separately for each patient. (GOV.UK)

SAFETY & PRODUCT QUALITY

Botulinum toxin products are prescription-only medicines in the UK and should be supplied in accordance with an appropriate prescription.

Only products authorised for use in the UK should be used. The MHRA has recently issued warnings about unlicensed and counterfeit botulinum toxin products following serious cases associated with unregulated products. (GOV.UK)

For your safety, the product used should be identifiable and appropriately authorised for its intended use.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

As with any injectable treatment, temporary tenderness, redness, swelling or bruising may occur at the injection site.

Other adverse effects are possible depending on the product, treatment area and individual circumstances. These will be discussed as part of your consultation, together with appropriate aftercare and what to do if you experience any unexpected symptoms.

A PERSONALised APPROACH

Every face is different.

My approach is to assess your anatomy, muscle activity and individual concerns carefully rather than using a standard treatment pattern.

Where a botulinum toxin treatment is considered appropriate following consultation, the aim is to make a measured and individualised adjustment to muscle activity while respecting your natural facial movement and features.