Since I started working in aesthetic medicine I have been impressed with the providers out there who work to very high standards and it is this level of care and treatment that I aim to emulate. However, I have also been alarmed at the number of inexperienced non-medically qualified practitioners injecting botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. In this blog I will recommend what to look for in an aesthetic practitioner.
Botulinum Toxin has been used for decades to reduce the signs of ageing. There are many different types of toxin on the market but at our clinic here in Chippenham we only use Allergan Botox®. There are other toxins out there which some of which are cheaper but less effective.
Injection Technique
It is important that you seek a qualified injector who has been trained to administer botulinum toxin. Botox® is a prescription only medicine and you should have a face to face consultation with your Botox® prescriber before any procedure is performed. Whoever treats you with Botox® should also have studied facial anatomy and be aware of the muscle actions and structure. Lack of this knowledge can lead to injection of Botox® into an incorrect position which can contribute to complications.
Questions to Ask
Anyone seeking facial aesthetic procedures should not be afraid to ask there injector questions about their qualifications and training. Such as are they a qualified medical prescriber e.g. doctor, dentist, nurse prescriber? How many injectable procedures have they performed and what training did they have in those techniques? Do they use branded quality products? There are many cheap versions of injectable cosmetic products but you need to ensure that you get the best. What is their follow up and can you contact them if there is a problem? If an injector is only in a salon for that day what is the arrangement for follow up or contact if you have a concern? Are they insured? This point is vital if you develop a complication. Are they registered with a governing body that reviews their practice such as the General Medical Council? You can check these registrations easily on line.
The main thing is to be safe. If your practitioner isn’t happy to answer the above questions then just walk away and find someone who can. Buying a cheaper product is often a false economy as it is often inferior and will put you at risk if problems do arise.
