Botulinum toxin

Factual information about a prescription only treatment

 

Botulinum toxin is a prescription only medicine (POM) that may be considered following an appropriate face to face consultation.

At Angel Aesthetics treatment is only considered following an individual assessment with Dr Heather Wilkins, a GMC registered medical doctor. A consultation does not automatically mean that treatment will be prescribed or that treatment will be appropriate.

The purpose of this page is to provide factual information about botulinum toxin. If you would like to discuss whether this or another treatment option may be suitable for your concerns, please arrange a consultation.

 

What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It acts at the junction between nerves and muscles by reducing the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in muscle contraction. When injected into selected muscles, this temporarily reduces their activity.

Botulinum toxin has a number of established medical uses. It may also be prescribed for certain cosmetic indications following an appropriate clinical assessment.

 

What can it be used for?

The suitability of treatment depends on your individual anatomy, medical history, previous treatment and the reason for considering treatment.

In an aesthetic setting botulinum toxin may be considered for certain lines and wrinkles associated with muscle activity. It may also be prescribed for some other concerns including unwanted underarm sweating, depending on the clinical circumstances and the licensed or otherwise appropriate use of the medicine.

Not every indication is suitable for every person and treatment will only be considered following an individual face to face consultation.

 

How does treatment work?

Where treatment is considered appropriate small amounts of the prescribed medicine are injected into selected muscles.

By temporarily reducing nerve-to-muscle signalling, the activity of the treated muscle is reduced.

The effect is temporary and varies between individuals. Factors including the treatment area, dose, individual response and previous treatment can influence the duration and degree of effect.

Your expected outcome and the limitations of treatment will be discussed during your consultation.

 

Your consultation

Because botulinum toxin is a prescription only medicine, a face to face consultation with the prescriber is required before treatment can be prescribed.

At Angel Aesthetics new clients require a face to face consultation followed by a cooling-off period of at least 24 hours before treatment can proceed, even if you have had the same treatment elsewhere.

Your consultation will include discussion of:

• Your concerns and expectations
• Your medical and surgical history
• Current medications and allergies
• Previous aesthetic treatments
• Whether treatment is clinically appropriate
• The potential benefits and limitations
• Possible risks and side effects
• Alternatives, including choosing not to have treatment

You will be given appropriate information to allow you to make an informed decision.

There is no obligation to proceed with treatment following your consultation.

 

Safety and prescribing

Botulinum toxin is a prescription only medicine and can only prescribed following an individual clinical face to face assessment.

As a GMC registered medical doctor I personally carry out the consultation, prescribing and treatment at Angel Aesthetics.

I only prescribe for my own patients and only administer medication that I have personally prescribed and ordered.

Medication is obtained through an appropriate UK aesthetics pharmacy and stored in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements. Product details and batch numbers are recorded as part of the clinical record within client notes.

Relevant treatment information, prescribing documentation and medication packaging can be discussed and viewed where appropriate during your consultation.

 

Possible risks and side effects

As with any prescription medicine or injectable procedure botulinum toxin can cause side effects and complications.

These can include temporary effects at or around the injection site, such as redness, swelling, bruising or discomfort. Depending on the treatment area, temporary weakness of nearby muscles can also occur, as well as recruitment of other muscles.

Less common or more significant complications are possible.

Your individual risks and the relevant patient information will be discussed with you before treatment, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.

If I don't believe treatment is appropriate for you, I will advise you not to proceed.

Aftercare and follow up

I pride myself in providing comprehensive aftercare, tailored to your needs. Some clients will need additional contact and that is absolutely fine.

A follow up appointment will be offered approximately two weeks after treatment to assess the results and discuss any concerns. Any top up dose required is included within the treatment price.

Considering your options?

If you're unsure whether botulinum toxin is appropriate for you, you don't need to know the answer before booking a consultation.

This gives you the opportunity to discuss your concerns with me, understand the available options and decide whether treatment is right for you.