Botox® is an incredibly popular treatment, with many thousands of men and women worldwide choosing it to relax wrinkles and hold back the signs of facial ageing.
However, unlike many other “beauty” treatments, would-be botox® patients should be aware that the botulinum toxin solution used is a powerful prescription medicine. It is therefore vital that people having botox choose their provider carefully.
Here are a few things to look for in a botox practitioner:
1. Qualifications
The GMC Regulations changed 23rd July 2012. The new ruling states that Doctors must have face-to-face consultations with patients before prescribing Botox and other injectable cosmetics. This should put an end to the practice of “remote prescribing”, which allowed doctors to write prescriptions for patients they had not met, in order to enable less qualified nurses to administer the treatment.
A face to face consultation is meant to ensure that the doctor fully understands the patient’s medical history and reasons for wanting the treatment.
Always ensure that you see a GMC Registered doctor at the time of your initial consultation – this is a minimum requirement.
However, it is also recommended to find a doctor who specialises in botox treatment and has additional qualifications, diplomas and certificates to show that they have complete understanding of the fine facial dynamics.
2. Experience
As well as requiring medical qualifications, botox should be considered an aesthetic art.
Patients should look for a doctor who has built up years of experience in administering botox and who specialises in cosmetic skin treatments, rather than general practice or dentistry.
3. Brand
Botox® is the leading brand in the cosmetic treatments market. It is also known as Botulinum Toxin A.
Botox® is supplied by Allergan who are a highly respected global pharmaceutical company.
Allergan has manufactured and distributed Botox® for over 20 years for an increasing variety of medical and cosmetic uses and has invested heavily in research and development.
There are alternative brands available on the market which may be slightly cheaper in some instances. However, some are not well researched or tested as Botox which increases the risk of unwanted side effects.
4. Product Handling
It is important to be aware that products such as wrinkle-relaxing injections need to be cared for in the same way as vaccines, with careful storage and close attention to the condition of the product.
Before having botox treatment, do feel free to ask your practitioner to show you the product. You should see that it is in good condition and well within the “use by” date marked on the bottle.
5. Aftercare Policy
Do check on your botox provider’s aftercare policy. Some practitioners will offer free aftercare appointments for any fine tuning or top up that may be required. This avoids the temptation to over-inject at the first appointment and gives opportunity for the patient to come back for any further treatment.
Botox Doctor, London
Dr Barbara Kubicka is a leading skin doctor based in London with many years experience in using Botox for anti-ageing and excessive sweating. A fully qualified doctor with additional specialist qualifications, Dr Kubicka has many years experience in botox treatment and is known for her exceptionally natural, yet effective results.
In 2012, Dr Kubicka founded Clinicbe where she is a cosmetic treatments doctor as well as Director. Clinicbe offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to health and beauty care, working with selected partners and practitioners to provide patients with a one-stop-shop for their skin, health and general wellbeing.
Dr Kubicka’s credentials are impeccable.
- Practiced Aesthetic Medicine for a number of years
- Experience includes top companies including Harrods, Allergan, Remington and Restylane
- Medical qualifications at Warsaw Medical University
- 2-year post-graduate course in Aesthetic Medicine at the College de International de Medicine Esthetique in Paris
- 2 years working for NHS hospitals with Imperial College London
- British College of Aesthetic Medicine (MBCAM) (formerly known as the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors (BACD)
- Independent Doctors Federation (IDF)
- British Medical Laser Association (BMLA)
- Syndicate National des Medicins Esthetiques (SNME)
- Aesthetic Medicine Section of the Polish Medical Society
- General Medical Council GMC Registration Number 6165336
- Board of Restylane Advisors
Contact Clinicbe®
For more information regarding Clinicbe®, or to book an appointment with Dr Kubicka, please call 0207 125 0521 or email info@clinicbe.com.
