I am currently affiliated with the award-winning and most successful training course for medical professionals in the UK. On this program I lecture (both on the basic and advanced courses) in dermal fillers and muscle relaxing injections, and instruct the delegates in the administration and artistry involved in the practice and use of both these popular treatments.

I qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 1984 at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. I was employed as a trainer and product manager with Collagen (UK) Ltd in 1994. From 1998 to 2001 I studied for my degree in Health Sciences (Homeopathy) and have also a Masters in Complementary Medicine, which I employ in my practice with good effect. In 2000, I became an independent trainer with Q-Med, the leading dermal filler product in the UK and in 2002 I took an instructor’s position with them as a training manager. In 2007 I successfully completed a nurse prescribing course.

I have some rules of thumb you may find useful when deciding on choosing a clinic for your treatment whether by recommendation or not.

Step 1

Talk to friends & relatives and do your research
Personal recommendation is an honest and reliable way to find out about clinics, hospitals, doctors and surgeons which may be suitable for you. Consider what you want to achieve from your procedure before making your appointment for a consultation.


Step 2

Choosing your clinic
All staff should be registered and trained professionals and have only your best interests at heart.
Set your standards
The following advice draws on the Regulatory Standards set in the UK for choosing your clinic provider.
• You should look into the quality of their treatment and services as well as the safety and cleanliness of their premises and equipment.
• Ask to see the qualifications and skills of their staff, their provisions for training and professional development
• Research the procedure and understand the risks, side-effects and possible complications.
• Choose a registered qualified and reputable practitioner who has been appropriately trained and can provide you with the necessary care after the procedure.


Step 3

Who should carry out these treatments?
Although many of these treatments are currently available on the high street, this does not mean that they are all unregulated. Botox® is a prescription-only medicine, and must be prescribed by a doctor or dentist and from 1 May 2006, Nurse Independent Prescribers. Ask the prescriber if he or she is a:

• doctor registered with the General Medical Council
• nurse registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
• dentist registered with the General Dental Council,
Prescribers may delegate the administration to a suitably qualified and competent other person.
Do not have any treatment unless you can be satisfied that they meet the above requirements.

Useful Questions to ask:

If you are considering a non-surgical cosmetic treatment there are a number of questions you should ask to help you to decide whether to have a treatment and where to have it carried out.

• Who will carry out the treatment?
• How long have they been trained in this treatment and do they have a certificate of/or accreditation?
• How frequently do they carry it out?
• Do they have professional indemnity insurance?
• Is the treatment right for me?
• How long does the treatment take?
• Is the treatment painful and if so what form of anaesthesia is used?
• Is all equipment used sterile and used only for me?
• For dermal fillers - what is the filler made of and do I need a test to find out if I am allergic to it?
• What are the risks involved?
• Are there any other treatment options available for me to achieve the results I want?
• Do you have any 'before and after' photographs that I can see?
• What type of aftercare regime will I need after treatment?
• Will I need pain relief following treatment?
• Will I have swelling or bruising and can these be treated?
• At what stage will I be able to judge the results of treatment?
• Will I be reviewed after the treatment - and is this included in the price
• How long do the results last?
• What will be the cost of the treatment, including any materials I may need after it?
• Will I need or benefit from a course of treatments?
• Will my photographs be shown to anyone else for any reason?