‘Doing Botox’ is not as easy as we make it look! Not only is the anatomy of the face incredibly complex, every face is different! Add client expectation to that and it’s easy to understand the importance of a comprehensive assessment prior to any treatment. Your practitioner will aim to prescribe and administer a dose of Botox which will reduce the movement of muscles ‘just enough’ without causing heaviness or ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid).
Given the complexity of this treatment, best practice dictates that clients should be offered a ‘review’ appointment 2 weeks after their initial treatment. This appointment is valuable to both the client and practitioner as it provides a unique opportunity to perfect the treatment while guiding those in the future.
While every practitioner’s approach is different, the review appointment can offer the following;
A chance to chat!
Client/Practitioner relationship is so important and this appointment is another great opportunity to get to know each other and discuss satisfaction with the treatment and the plan moving forward.
Botox review
2-3 weeks post treatment is the perfect time to review the result. Photographs should always be taken pre any inject able (without which most medical insurance is invalidated) and these can then be used as a point of comparison. Depending on the area that’s been treated, the client is usually given a mirror and asked to frown and raise the brow; the practitioner can then judge whether additional product is required.
Assess for complications
While the client should have been advised to report any concerns/ complications as soon as possible, this appointment is another chance for the client to discuss any unwanted side effects (ie bruising, swelling, heaviness). Reassurance can be provided and treatment plans adapted.
Patient expectation
While the hope is that the practitioner will have an understanding the client’s expectations, the review appointment is vital to ensure that the client is happy. The practitioner’s expectation and desired outcome may not be aligned with the client’s and this is a great opportunity to discuss this.
Is a ‘top up’ always needed?…….
Many practitioners, me included, try not to call this the ‘top up’ appointment. This gives a false impression of its aim and can lead the client to expect more product, irrespective of whether it is actually required! There is absolutely no evidence to suggest a benefit of administering Botox when movement has been reduced by the desired amount. Indeed, this practice is likely to lead to complications.
While the best treatment plans are those which involve an open dialogue and shared vision, it’s important to remember that Botox is a prescribed drug and should not be administered without reason.
Perfecting your treatment will come with experience. Your practitioner will adjust your dose and injection patterns as required and with your feedback!