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® and other botulinum toxin type A treatments please see:
BOTOX® injections – administration safety guidelines

Yes we do use proper Allergan BOTOX®. We only ever use safe and licensed botulinum toxin type A products BOTOX® BoCouture or Azzalure. The exact product to be used cannot be predetermined but will be decided during consultation on clinical grounds, taking account of patient suitability to any one particular product.

Results with BOTOX® and other botulinum toxin type A treatments will not be visible straight away and may take a few days before a visible difference can be seen. For the full effect this can take between 4-28 days depending on the botulinum toxin type A used. 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 months. For dermal fillers (Juvederm Restylane Teosyal Belotero) results may last for between 6-9 months. Some of the newer hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers on the market may last beyond 12 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 treatments

We only use licensed, FDA or CE approved dermal fillers for all of our treatments. These are Juvederm, Restylane, Teosyal, Boletero, Radiesse, Sculptra.

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 medical 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.

Bruising very seldom occurs with Helen Bowes. Any bruising or swelling that does occur tends to be mild and will clear within 2-3 days. Our advanced, clinically developed treatments involve superior needling techniques which enhance collagen whilst reducing trauma at the same time. Many of our clients have reported significantly lower incidence of bruising when migrating to us from other clinics.

We apply a strong anaesthetic numbing cream before injecting with dermal fillers. Discomfort is further reduced by our choice of products which contain lidocaine. In addition, our clinically developed needling techniques reduce discomfort further still both during and after treatment.

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®, BoCouture and Azzalure are prescribed drugs. As with any prescription drug there are possible side effects. It is paramount that the practitioner is not only aware of the possible side effects but also knows how to address them. 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 seeking 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.

To book an appointment at any one of our clinics you can either call us on our direct telephone number, complete an inquiry form, email us directly or send us a message via Facebook. Please visit the contact us page here for further details

You may reschedule your appointment at any time up to the day before your appointment. You may cancel your appointment up to 3 days before it is due, without any charge. For further information about our booking and cancellation policy please see: terms and conditions of business

No, there is no charge for cancelling your appointment with us where a minimum 3 business days notice is given. However, we reserve the right to charge for repeat cancellations, clients who fail to attend more than once and do not contact us in advance, or clients who fail to attend more than twice. For further information please see: terms and conditions of business

In some cases, yes. For new clients wanting treatments involving prescription only medicines such as BOTOX® and Hyaluronidaise it is not possible to administer treatment at the same appointment as with the initial consultation. If the proposed treatment involves a non prescription only medicine (e.g dermal fillers) or the client has been seen, face to face by our practitioner during the previous 180 days then treatment can be offered during the same appointment as with the consultation.

Please note that treatments can only be offered following a full consultation with our practitioner, and only where written informed consent of the client has been obtained.

In all cases, the answer to this question is yes. Many of our treatments involve prescription medicines which can produce unwanted side effects if not correctly prescribed. The consultation is a condition of treatment. Without it we cannot possibly determine the safest, most appropriate treatment for you.

Please note that consultations are required for all prescribed and non prescribed creams, skin treatments, cosmetic products, take home products and all other types of treatment.

Injections alone often take no more than 15-30 mins. However, clients should also allow time for a full consultation and for any applied anesthetic 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 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 consultation unless an appointment for a treatment is booked. A deposit is payable for all new clients to the clinic. We will retain this following consultation and deduct in full from any treatment cost within 28 days.

No. Any top up treatments are chargeable according to the amount of product administered. However, our treatment costs are highly competitive. Even where additional product is administered we still compare favourably with other clinics offering free top ups.

Please note that paid top up treatments will only be given within 28 days of treatment. After this time the full treatment cost applies.

All treatments are conducted by by our sole practitioner Helen Bowes RGN, BSc(hons) NISP AMAP. This includes all BOTOX® injections and all dermal fillers injections. Helen is a Harley Street trained and qualified advanced medical & cosmetic aesthetics practitioner and a qualified nurse prescriber (medical aesthetics) and holds professional cosmetic insurance.

Our practitioner Helen Bowes RGN, BSc (hons), NISP, AMAP is a certified APDOT accredited PDO thread trainer and a 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 with specialist medical aesthetics qualifications for every treatment we provide. In addition, Helen is a qualified nurse independent and supplementary prescriber and an experienced critical care nurse with a degree in adult nursing. Dealing with complications and performing injections are a routine part of Helen’s every day nursing role.

We are one of the best trained and qualified medical skin clinics in the UK. Our practitioner Helen Bowes has performed over 7000 thousand non surgical procedures without a single injury or complication. Furthermore, we provide visual evidence of our standards of work for every treatment we provide and for all clients to see.

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, shaping 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 Clinic; a leading specialist clinic for advanced BOTOX® & dermal fillers injectable treatments. Skin Beautiful was founded and is managed by clinical director Helen Bowes RGN, BSc (hons), NISP, AMAP. All procedures, consultations and after care are undertaken by Helen personally. Skin Beautiful operates clinics at locations in Exeter, Milton Keynes, Bristol, Coventry, Swansea, Bedford & Luton, Warwick & Stratford, Daventry, Carmarthen Neath and Llanelli.

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 prescribe and administer all injectable botulinum toxin type A and dermal fillers products for cosmetic use, is a qualified RGN critical care nurse and a registered nurse prescriber, and is registered with RCN and NMC.

All of our products are bought from either licensed UK pharmacies or directly from the pharmaceutical manufacturers.