Providing A Comprehensive Consultation Before Any Potential Treatment

By Dr. Meg Minasian, Founder of The MW Clinic London

In today’s busy aesthetic industry, it's not uncommon to find clinics offering injectable treatments in under 15 minutes, but at The MW Clinic London, things are different. Before any treatment — including botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) — I provide a full, face-to-face consultation lasting at least one hour.

This approach isn’t just about safety and professionalism (though those are essential). It’s also about providing time — time to understand your concerns properly, to review your medical history thoroughly, and to ensure the treatment you receive is tailored, thoughtful and in your best interests.

What Happens During the Consultation?

• A detailed medical history, including medication, skin concerns, and any previous treatments
• A full facial assessment — understanding how your muscles move, where volume may be lost, and how your skin behaves
• A review of your current skincare and lifestyle habits
• A discussion of treatment options, including risks, benefits, and what to expect
• Plenty of time for questions — whether you’ve had treatment before or are completely new to this field

The goal is not to rush or “sell” you a treatment. It’s to help you make an informed, medically sound decision based on what’s best for your skin, health, and individual goals.

Why Is This Important — Especially for Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum toxin (commonly known by brands such as Botox® or Nuceiva) is a prescription-only medicine. It works by temporarily affecting the function of specific facial muscles. While it is safe when used properly, it must be carefully dosed and precisely injected based on your unique facial anatomy.

That’s why a face-to-face consultation with a qualified prescriber is not only best practice — from 1 June 2025, it is also a legal requirement in the UK. Remote consultations or online prescribing are no longer allowed for injectable aesthetic treatments.

What Can Go Wrong When Clinics Skip This Step?

Sadly, I’ve seen many patients who’ve had rushed treatments elsewhere — often in clinics where injectables are delegated to less experienced staff or carried out without a proper clinical review. Common issues include:

• Incorrect product placement, leading to drooping eyelids or uneven movement
• Over-treatment or under-treatment due to lack of individualised assessment
• Missed medical conditions or drug interactions
• Unnatural results due to poor understanding of facial structure
• Anxiety or regret due to lack of informed consent or communication

These issues are rarely due to the product itself — but rather the way it is used.

Why the Consultation Is So Valuable

Many of my patients say that our initial consultation helped them feel much more confident about their choices. Even if they choose not to go ahead with treatment immediately — or at all — they leave feeling informed, respected, and listened to.

In aesthetic medicine, the best outcomes come from trust, experience, and careful planning — not quick fixes. That’s why I take this time, and why I personally treat every patient who walks through my clinic door.

Considering Treatment?

If you're exploring non-surgical treatments and would like a safe, thoughtful, medically-led approach, I’d be happy to see you in clinic. We’ll take the time to understand what matters to you — and ensure every step of the process supports your skin, your health, and your confidence.