FAQ

Consultation with the Doctors

What to do before the consultation
What will happen during the consultation

Products

Botulinum Toxin
Dermal Fillers
Skin Boosters

Risks and Complications

Common Side Effects
Uncommon Complications

After Procedure Care

Generalities
Botulinum Toxin
Dermal Fillers

Consultation with the Doctors

What to do BEFORE
the consultation?

avoid taking any of the following :
- aspirin, ibuprofen and any other anti-inflammatory medication (for 24 - 48 hrs)
- alcohol (for 24 - 48 hrs)
- vitamin E and other dietary supplements – including ginkgo, evening primrose oil, garlic and ginseng for 7 - 10 days prior to appointment

avoid tanning and minimise direct sun exposure for 7 days prior to appointment

if known to have recurrent cold sores (herpes) :
- we recommend a 3 - 4 days course of Acyclovir tablet before and after procedure (we can prescribe this for you)
- NB : treatment will be postponed if cold sore or infection is present on the day of procedure

remove all make-up from the area being treated on the day of your appointment (we can do this in the clinic if needed)

during the consultation with the doctors :

we will discuss
- your relevant medical history and your current medications
- your expectations and suitable treatment options
  after a full facial assessment

we will then agree together on your treatment plan, explaining to you :
- possible risks and complications of the procedure
- post procedure care and advices

before and after procedure pictures will be taken and kept confidential (medico-legal requirement)

What will happen
DURING the consultation?

Products

Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum Toxin A :

prescription muscle relaxant medication used in medicine to treat several conditions in the body

it works by partial blockage of the nerve conducting into a muscle – causing temporary reduced contraction of the specific muscle involved

it is mostly used to reduce dynamic wrinkles lines on specific areas of face and body : allowing natural rejuvenation and improving aesthetic result

can also be used to reduce the size and appearance of bulking muscles (face slimming, neck bands) and to reduce excessive sweating in specific areas (underarm, hands, feet, groin)

Dermal Fillers :

most common filler is Hyaluronic Acid
a substance already present in our connective tissue as naturally produced by our body

it is used to correct areas of volume loss
loss of shape and contour
to correct some deformities
to reduce the appearance of more deep static wrinkles lines in the face or body

Dermal Fillers

Skin Boosters

Skin Boosters :

same hyaluronic acid used in dermal fillers
but with reduced density

used superficially in connective tissue / collagen in areas of face and body (neck, decollette)
to improve hydration and skin elasticity - enhancing skin properties and glowing

Risks and Complications

Common Side Effects

full list of possible risks and complications will be recorded on the consent form and fully explained to you prior to the procedure

procedure result could be not expected or not desirable
with possible asymmetry, temporary loss of function or loss of sensation around the treated area

it is very common for the treated area to be inflamed (bruising, swelling and redness) for 3 - 4 days after procedure
in some cases this could last up to 7 - 10 days
and be associated with pins/needles, burning sensation and itchiness
in this case we suggest :
- apply ice or cold water to area to reduce inflammation
- daily application of topical arnica cream

uncommon complications include – but are not limited to :
- facial asymmetry, with local muscle weakness and twitching
- flu-like symptoms : sickness, headache, tiredness
- eyelid / eyebrow drooping, double vision, dry eyes (relevant to eye area)
- infection / abscess on injection area

rare and very rare complications include :
- allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- ischaemia, due to filler injected into blood vessel : blood flood blockage with skin soreness, coldness, numbness and discolouration (blanching)
- blindness (relevant to eye area)

NB : severe allergic reactions and ischaemia are medical emergencies – and if they happen, this will usually be within 4 - 6 hrs from the procedure
- you must contact us and send pictures of area to assess the blanching / discolouration evolution
- if blanching / discolouration is worsening within 30 mins, you must contact 111 or present to A/E for emergency assessment and possible treatment

Uncommon Complications

After Procedure Care

Generalities

after the procedure :

keep your head upright - avoid lying down for 4-6 hrs
do not massage and avoid touching the area treated for 24 hrs
avoid excessive heat, gym, heavy exercise, sweating, sauna, tanning for 24 hrs (ideally 3-4 days)
avoid alcohol or excessive hot/spicy food for 24 hrs
avoid make-up for 4-6 hours after your procedure (ideally avoid for 24 hrs if possible)

some initial result will start from day 4-7, but you will see full result in 10-14 days

please send us pictures / videos of the final results in 10-14 days
showing your face clearly (light or no make-up if possible) with good light on a white blank background wall

a top-up is considered as an extra dose to boost the effect of the initial dose or to correct partial asymmetry

if a top-up is required, please contact us for a follow-up appointment in 2-3 weeks time from the initial treatment (this will be free of charge)
the need for top-up will be considered and discussed with the doctor after a direct examination

after 3 weeks no further top-up will be possible
after this time the botulinum effect will start gradually wearing off and a new initial dose will be needed (new payment required)

result can last up to 3-4 months
further botulinum toxin injection is not recommended prior to this time

Botulinum Toxin

Dermal Fillers

result can be instant, but you will see full result in 10-14 days

please send us picture of the final result in 10-14 days
showing your face clearly (light or no make-up if possible) with good light on a white blank background wall

result can last up to 6-8 months
no extra treatment will be possible in the first 2-3 weeks following your procedure : due to the ongoing inflammation in the area, there will be a risk of complications (eg. granuloma formation)

no free top-up is possible with dermal fillers
if you wish to have more filler in the same area treated, please contact us for an appointment in 2-3 weeks from the initial treatment