Wrinkle-smoothing injections (or Botox injections as they are more commonly referred) are undoubtedly still the most popular, non-surgical anti-ageing injections in the world. Across the globe, millions of people swear by Botox injections to temporarily smooth expression lines and dynamic wrinkles, offering results that can last up to 6 months at a time. Why? Because quite simply, when administered by a highly-qualified medical professional in a safe and clinical setting, Botox injections work! At the Harley Street Face Clinic here in the heart of the West End of London, we offer Botox injections to thousands of our loyal patients with stunning results. Our team are medically trained and highly-experienced and use not only their extensive knowledge of the human facial anatomy to deliver natural-looking yet effective results, but use artistry, personality assessment and analytical observation – all in a highly-regulated and clinical environment.

As Botox injections are hugely popular, the demand for perhaps less experienced or even non-qualified practitioners to start offering this procedure to unsuspecting patients is high. Some patients who aren’t aware that it takes not only years of medical experience but an artistic, analytical eye and strict safety precautions to ensure a successful and safe treatment, may be tempted by cheap offers and ‘too-good-to-be-true’ promotions which, can ultimately put their looks and health at risk. After all, Botulinum Toxin Type A, the substance used in Botox injections (Botox happens to be a brand name and there are several reputable brands on the market) is a prescribed substance and can only legally be administered by a medical professional. So how do we choose the right practitioner for our Botox injections and how can we ensure beautiful results, safely, every time?

Botox is not a one-size fits all procedure

Unlike a luxury facial or massage, cannot be thought of as a treatment anyone can do. There are many aspects to consider, such as the quality and safety of the products used to the number of years’ experience your chosen practitioner possesses.

Below are 5 key considerations to choosing the best possible practitioner for your Botox treatment.

Make sure your clinic is reputable – at the Harley Street Face Clinic we are regulated by the GMC and adhere to CQC guidelines at all times. All our practitioners hold not only the relevant and necessary medical qualifications to administer Botox, but have much experience in delivering this treatment safely and effectively.
Have a consultation – Your chosen practitioner should insist on a pre-treatment consultation prior to Botox being administered. They should check your medical history, discuss your requirements for results and should not pressurise you in to making a decision there and then. They should offer a cooling off period, so that if needed, you can go away and think about whether this medical procedure will be right for you and your lifestyle.
Ensure you see evidence of a medical qualification – normally you’ll be able to read about your chosen practitioner on line, check out the CQC register and will see certificates on the walls of the clinic. If this is not the case, enquire with the receptionist or the practitioner themselves for the evidence of their medical accreditations as well as training courses they have attended for the administering of Botox injections. Check the date that they attended these courses. You don’t want to be someone’s guinea pig where any injectable treatment is concerned!

Is the clinic clean? – A Botox treatment should be performed in a doctor’s office or clinic room. Does the practitioner have a tidy and clean setting? What impression does the reception area give you? Are you greeted professionally by the reception team? And can you see evidence of suitable equipment, such as sharps boxes, medical packs and scrupulously clean counters and couches? You will know when you are stepping in to a highly-professional clinic by the way you’re treated and your surroundings. Botox parties are illegal and in many cases, offer alcoholic beverages as part of the event. It goes without saying that injectable treatments, non-clinical settings and alcohol consumption should never mix!
Ask to look at before and after images of previous patients for your chosen treatment – a good practitioner will be able to offer you photographic evidence of the work they have previously carried out. Ask to see some before and after images, or check out their website for this. It’s important to see results of their work and lots of them. If there are none available, beware! You may be one of the first patients to have this treatment with said practitioner. Do you really want to take the risk?

The Harley Street Face Clinic is based at 23 Harley Street; a prestigious and famous location for some of the world’s most sought after and revered medical professionals. Our clinical team have been scrupulously selected to represent the very elite in their fields and we make no compromises when it comes to professionalism, artistic creativity, empathy and safety practices.

When it comes to Botox injections, do not accept compromise. Choose a clinic with a history of excellence, regulated practices and stunning results.

About the Author

Dr. Julian De Silva is a leading facial plastic surgeon that specialises only in surgical and non-surgical facial procedures. Dr. De Silva has considerable experience in cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery from fellowships in London, Los Angeles, and New York. He is one of a handful of elite surgeons to be recognised with British, European and American qualifications, memberships and board certification.

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