Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Botox is an injectable, prescribed drug which belongs to a group of similarly related toxins known as botulinum toxin type A. It works by blocking neuro signals (transmissions) sent to muscles, thus paralysing the muscle. In cosmetic aesthetics, it is given predominantly to reduce lines and wrinkles of the forehead, glabellar (frown lines between the eyebrows) and eyes (crows feet). Botox and Vistabel are sometimes used interchangably. Both are licensed trademarks belonging to Allergan inc. California, USA. For further information please see: Botulinum toxin type A treatments Botox Vistabel Xeomin Bocouture

Botox is a prescribed drug which has undergone extensive clinical research to ensure it is as safe and well tolerated as possible. It has an excellent clinical track record and side effects are rare. However, it is neither safe nor ethical for non qualified persons to administer Botox injections. Our medical aesthetic practitioner is specially trained in the safe administration of Botox and other botulinum toxin type A treatments. For further information about the safe administration of Botox Vistabel and other botulinum toxin type A treatments please see:
Botox injections – administration safety guidelines

Botox is a non surgical, injectable, prescribed drug derived from a naturally occurring protein. Neither Botox nor other similar toxins contain any silicone, nor are they used in cosmetic surgical procedures involving silicone implants. For further information please see:
What is Botox?

Results with Botox and other botulinum toxin type A treatments will not be visible for several days. The treatment works by blocking neuro signals sent to muscles, resulting in effective muscle paralysis. It takes time for the results to be visible on the skin’s surface.

Results for botulinum toxin type A treatments (Botox Vistabel Xeomin Bocouture) can last for up to 4-6 months. For dermal fillers (Juvederm Restylane Teosyal Belotero) results may last for between 6-9 months. Several factors determine the actual figure. For example: The age, profile and lifestyle of the client, area treated, depth of lines or wrinkles, quantity of product administered, technique of practitioner, precision required. To maintain the lasting effect of Botox and dermal fillers it is recommended that clients receive further treatments before the visual effect of the previous treatment wears off.

Dermal fillers are a group of closely related injectable cosmetic skin treatments. Most are in a liquid gel format and are injected into the dermis or subcutaneous layers of the skin. Basic Dermal fillers treatments are given to fill lines, wrinkles and folds in the face, hands, neck and decolletage areas. More advanced treatments can add volume or lift to cheeks, lips, chin and jaw line. Specialist creative techniques provide sculpting, shaping, contouring and even a non surgical facelift. For further information see:
dermal fillers information and treatements

Dermal fillers provide instantly visible results. For further information see:
dermal fillers – how do they work?

No. Only qualified medical/healthcare professionals with appropriate certification should administer this prescribed drug. Other professions such as hairdressers, beauticians and therapists should not administer botulinum toxin type A.

Most people can have Botox injections. However, Botox may not be given to any person(s) whom have a skin infection located at or near to the area to be injected, are allergic to any Botox ingredient or have had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin type A product. Our aesthetics practitioner will need to know cartain facts which may influence any decision to administer treatments. For example, if you are: asthmatic, pregnant or plan to become pregnant, breastfeeding, have had facial surgery, taking other medicines or prescribed drugs. In many of these cases treatment can still be provided. Please contact us for further details.

A very small percentage of clients may experience mild to moderate side effects with botulinum toxin type A injections. These include: temporary swelling at or near to the injection site, temporary mild discomfort at or near to the injection site, headaches, dry mouth, tiredness and certain allergic reactions such as itching, rash, wheezing or dizziness.

Firstly, Botox, Vistabel, Xeomin and Bocouture are prescribed drugs. As with any prescription drug complications can arise. It is paramount that the practitioner is competent in dealing with any such complications. Secondly, Botulinum toxin type A can have serious consequences if not administered correctly. Professionally trained aesthetics practitioners have specific knowledge realting to the correct administration of these injectable products. This ensures both client safety and correct results too. Thirdly, unqualified persons may not be using legitimately licensed toxins and will not be professionally insured for their administration. By receiving treatments from a qualified aesthetics practitioner you can be sure you are getting a safe, licensed product, administered correctly by a trained professional.

At Skin Beautiful we consult with every client before commencing any treatment, firstly to assess clinical suitability to treatments and secondly to assess the aesthetic needs of the client. The consultation process is vital in ensuring that appropriate treatments are given and accurate results are obtained. Following the consultation our aesthetics practitioner will recommend a suitable course of treatment(s). Clients may discuss any aspect of the treatment prior to commencement and are under no obligation to purchase anything.

Injections alone often take no more than 15-30 mins. However, clients should also allow time for a full consultation and for any applied anaesthetic cream to take effect when arranging an appointment time. Our aesthetics practitioner will advise of the time specific to your treatment.

No. Consultations are provided completely free of charge when taken with a treatment as part of an appointment. Clients are welcome to seek free general advice, but will not be given a free consultaion unless an appointment for a treatment is booked.

All treatments whether in clinic or outside are conducted by Helen Bowes RGN, BSc(hons). This includes all Botox injections and all dermal fillers injections. Helen is a Harley Street trained and qualified professional advanced medical aesthetics practitioner with professional insurance.

Our practitioner Helen Bowes RGN, BSc (hons), AMAP, BACN registered advanced medical & cosmetic aesthetics practitioner No. MD1248/12 has advanced medical aesthetics Harley Street qualifications for every single procedure we offer. Helen’s aesthetics certificates are: basic Botox procedures, basic dermal fillers procedures, advanced Botox & dermal fillers procedures. In fact, we are one of very few aesthetics clinics who only provides treatments that our practitioner has specialist medical qualifications for. In addition, Helen is an experienced critical care nurse with a degree in adult nursing and further post graduate study. Dealing with complications and performing injections are a routine part of Helen’s every day NHS nursing role.

In short, no! There are many practitioners (including doctors and dentists) who have absolutely no independent medical aesthetics training or qualifications in non surgical cosmetic aesthetics procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers. Instead, they rely on their general medical knowledge. Some skin clinics offer advanced treatments without having a practitioner who has received advanced level training. It is important for the general public to know this before agreeing to any treatment. By contrast, our advanced medical aesthetics practitioner has exact medical aesthetics training and qualifications specific to Botox & dermal fillers treatments.

At Skin Beautiful we aspire to achieve the best possible aesthetic results for our clients based on scientific knowledge.Results may give either a subtle difference (especially with basic lines and wrinkles treatments) or a more dramatic difference (advanced lifting, sculpting, shpaing and contouring). The overall results will depend on several factors such as client expectation, chosen treatment(s) and individual lifestyle factors. Above all, our aim is to help you, the client achieve the aesthetic result you desire.

Most clients can return to work almost immediately following Botox or dermal fillers injections. However, there are certain guidelines to follow in the time immediately proceeding treatment. For example, it is recommended to keep the head upright for several hours, and it is not recommended to exercise, lie down, board an aircraft or drink alcohol. Clients should consider the above before making an appointment for treatment.

For further details about the effects of Botox and dermal fillers treatments please see:
Botox Treatments – After Care Guidelines
Dermal Fillers Treatments – After Care Guidelines

Skin Beautiful is the trading name of Skin Beautiful Medical & Cosemtic Skin Clinic; a leading specialist clinic for advanced Botox & dermal fillers injectable treatments. Skin Beautiful was founded and is managed by Helen Bowes RGN, BSc (hons), AMAP, BACN. All procedures and consultations are undertaken by a Helen personally. Skin Beautiful operates clinics at 7 locations in Exeter, Milton Keynes, Swansea, Coventry, Davetry, Carmarthen and Llanelli and an extensive One-to-One mobile service.

For further details of business hours and locations please see:
Skin Beautiful clinic hours and locations

For further details about Skin Beautiful and Helen Bowes please see:
About Skin Beautiful

A certified aesthetics practitioner is specially trained to administer injectable cosmetic treatments including prescribed drugs such as Botox (botulinum toxin type A). Aesthetics practitioners may also be trained to administer non prescribed, injectable treatments such as dermal fillers. Aesthetics practitioners must also be qualified as either a medical doctor, nurse or dentist and must be registered with an appropriate professional body. Our advanced medical aesthetics practitioner is certified to administer all injectable botulinum toxin type A and dermal fillers products for cosmetic use, is a qualified RGN critical care nurse and is registered with RCN and NMC.