Botulinum Toxin in Aesthetic Medicine: An Informative Guide

Have you been thinking about having botulinum toxin treatment? 

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information about what botulinum toxin is, how it works, and the importance of holding a tailored face-to-face medical consultation before treatment. Suitability and outcomes may vary. This content is for educational purposes only and is not a promotion or an offer of treatment.

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum Toxin is a prescription-only medicine (POM) used in medical aesthetics practice. A prescription can be provided upon carrying out a face-to-face consultation, held by a registered healthcare professional who holds a prescribing qualification. Botulinum Toxin is a drug, which means that legally, it can only be prescribed by a Nurse Prescriber, a Dentist, or a Doctor. 

Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein that temporarily blocks nerve signals to the muscles used in aesthetic medicine. It is important to note that not everyone will be suitable for botulinum toxin treatments, including branded products such as Botox®, which further emphasises the importance of holding a face-to-face medical consultation with every patient/client to assess suitability for treatment. 

What to expect during a face-to-face consultation?

During the consultation, your registered prescriber should take a thorough history of your past and current medical conditions, document any medications you are currently taking, any allergies, and/or sensitivities (this should include any food allergies). The prescriber will also assess for any contraindications, which are factors that may prevent you from safely having botulinum toxin treatment.

Consultations are personal and confidential, and allow patients the opportunity to make an informed choice about treatment. There should be plenty of time provided for you to discuss your treatment goals, discuss realistic expectations, understand the risks and side effects, and see the clinic environment.

Age requirements and identification

You may be asked to provide proof of age at your initial consultation, as Botox treatments have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Acceptable forms of ID can include a passport or a photo card driving licence.