What to expect at a Botox clinic
The consultation process
During an in-depth consultation at a Botox clinic, the practitioner will discuss the following:
- What has brought you to an Aesthetic Clinic eg what is bothering you so you can both get an idea of how the clinic can help.
Your practitioner will discuss what you would like a treatment to achieve and which areas of your face you have concerns over. During your consultation, your practitioner might discuss alternative treatments that are more appropriate than what you initially enquired about.
- Your medical history.
The practitioner will take a detailed medical history from you. This includes any allergies you have, any medicines you are taking. potential contraindications and any previous cosmetic treatments you have had.
- A detailed skin analysis
At Flawless Aesthetic clinic, as part of your consultation process, I will ask what you use on your skin to keep it healthy and start by looking at the skin in close detail, then we can develop a skin care plan that is bespoke to your specific needs. The results may reveal that treatments, such as chemical skin peels or microneedling treatment for example, is more suited to your skin than Botox, or may be used to complement your Botox treatment.
- Potential risks and side-effects of having Botox
It’s important you are aware of the risks and side-effects of having Botox before having treatment. At the extreme end, an allergic reaction to a wrinkle relaxing treatment could cause anaphylactic shock; however, this is extremely rare. More common side-effects include mild bruising, headache or slight swelling.
- Aftercare advice
You will be advised on what you should do to ensure your treatment is as effective as possible.
- The opportunity to ask questions
Throughout the consultation, you will be given ample opportunity to ask any questions and share any worries you have about the treatment.
- Time to make a decision
You should be given enough time to digest the information you’ve been given. You need to make a considered decision about whether the treatment is right for you. At Flawless Aesthetic clinic I give you as much time as you need. Once you have had your consultation and received your bespoke treatment plan.
After your consultation, I recommend you take a minimum of 24 hours to consider all the pros and cons before making a decision and booking a treatment appointment. After your consultation, you will be given an information pack (including a brochure, relevant leaflets and a form with possible outcomes and contraindications) to further help you make a decision.
- Sign a consent form
The last step before going ahead with treatment is to sign a consent form after giving you time to read it through before the treatment. When all forms are filled out and consent forms signed, the treatment can take place.
Common questions about Botox consultations
How much does a Botox consultation cost?
This will vary from different clinics – at Flawless Aesthetic a thorough consultation is £50 and includes a analysis of your skin, a full clinical assessment and a comprehensive treatment plan.
Do I need a consultation before having Botox?
Yes, without a thorough consultation a practitioner will not know what your expected outcomes are or how much Botox to administer to achieve the results you want. Not having a consultation is risky from a health point of view too, as the practitioner won’t have discussed the risks and side-effects with you or be aware of your medical history. Botox takes a minimum of three months to wear off so if you risk having the treatment without a consultation, then you may have to deal with unsatisfactory results for a considerable amount of time.
What about a follow-up consultation after having the treatment?
A reputable clinic should offer you a follow-up consultation as well as a pre-treatment consultation. At Flawless aesthetic clinic, you will have a full follow-up appointment 2-3 weeks after having your treatment. Optimum results from Botox treatment are achieved 14 days after having the injections. That is why you should have an assessment to check you are happy with the results. The follow-up appointment is also an opportunity to have a little top-up treatment if required. Also to check for any side effects. There is no charge for follow-up appointments at Flawless Aesthetic Clinic however if a top up is required it’s £50.
Consultation warning signs
The following are red flags indicating that the practitioner you’re dealing with may not be the best option for a successful Botox treatment:
- The consultation isn’t with the qualified prescriber who will administer the treatment.
- Free consultations can be tempting but often won’t go into the detail needed for you to make an informed decision about your treatment. There could be added pressure to purchase a treatment after a free consultation.
- If the consultation takes place somewhere other than a clinical setting, for example a Botox party, nail salon or hairdressers, then this is not an appropriate environment to have a medical procedure.
- If you are offered the treatment without an in depth consultation. This is unlikely to get you the results you want. It can also be dangerous, as they will not be aware of your medical history.
Where can I have a Botox consultation?
A reputable clinic will provide an in-depth consultation before offering any treatment. This enables you to make up your own mind, in your own time, about whether it’s the right treatment for you. Flawless Aesthetic is an East Midlands -based clinic that treats patients from Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
You can find out more about Botox and other treatments available at the clinic.
