FAQs

Floragy is a UK based natural skincare brand originating from Faversham, Kent. We incorporate their products within our treatments and are an authorised stockist.

Key brand points:
• Products are 100% naturally derived. Floragy uses plant-based botanicals, organic waters, oils, and things like hyaluronic acid.
• Vegan & cruelty-free.
• Handmade in small batches in Kent.
• Offers refillable or more sustainable packaging options.

We are trained in ultrasound guided filler and working towards owning our very own ultrasound for a safer practice. Using ultrasound guidance for dermal filler procedures is an advanced technique that’s gaining attention for safety and precision as it
involves using a real-time imaging probe to visualize underlying anatomy while injecting.

2. Why It’s Used
Safety
• Minimises vascular complications:
• Injecting filler into or too close to a blood vessel can cause vascular occlusion, tissue necrosis, or blindness (in rare cases).
• Ultrasound helps map vessels and avoid them.
• Identifies previous filler:
• Useful for retreatment or dissolving old filler.
• Precision:
• Ensures filler is placed exactly in the intended tissue plane, improving outcomes.

Neuromodulators are prescription-only in the UK to ensure safe use, prevent serious complications, and maintain regulatory oversight. Even though cosmetic doses are small, the potential risks are significant enough to require medical supervision.

Legal Classification:
• In the UK, all botulinum toxin products are prescription-only medicines (POMs), regardless of whether they’re used cosmetically or therapeutically.
• This means a licensed prescriber must assess the patient and authorize the treatment.

Rationale for Same Regulation:
• Regardless of use, botulinum toxin carries risk of systemic spread, muscle weakness, and rare but serious complications.
• Cosmetic use may seem “low-risk,” but the prescription-only status ensures trained professionals administer it safely.
• This prevents unqualified practitioners from injecting patients and provides legal accountability.

Patch testing is usually required for treatments that involve active chemicals, dyes, or products with potential allergens.

Examples include:

• Tinting (eyelash/eyebrow tint, henna brows)
• Lash lift / brow lamination (solutions can irritate skin/eye)
• Peels (chemical peels, enzyme peels) – sometimes
• Skincare ingredients
• Topical numbing creams (if used)

For injectables like Botox, dermal fillers, or Profhilo, a patch test isn’t typically performed because:

• The product is injected, not applied on the skin surface.
• Allergic reactions are very rare but are managed through thorough medical history, consultation, and informed consent instead of a patch test.
Timing
• Usually done 24–48 hours before treatment.
• A small amount of the product is applied (often behind the ear or inside the elbow).
• The area is monitored for redness, swelling, itching, or irritation.

What causes dark under‐eyes

To pick the right treatment, first it helps to figure out why the under‐eye area looks dark.

Common causes:
• Volume loss / hollowness under the eyelid (makes shadows)
• Thin skin—blood vessels or pigment show through
• Pigmentation (melasma, sun exposure, etc.)
• Puffiness / fat pads
• Vascular congestion / sluggish circulation
• Lifestyle, allergies, genetics, sleep, etc.

Some treatments address some of these but not others, so matching cause to treatment is key.

Injectable treatments - Here are the main injectable options that are used in aesthetic medicine for under-eye issues, and when they work best.

Dermal Filler

Polynucleotides / PDRN

• These are preparations of DNA fragments (often purified, sometimes from fish or salmon DNA etc.). They act as biostimulators / skin regenerators rather than volumizers.

• They’re injected superficially (intradermal or just under skin) to improve skin quality: stimulate fibroblasts, increase collagen & elastin, improve hydration, improve blood supply, sometimes reduce pigmentation (via indirect effects).

• Usually done in multiple sessions (often 2-4) spaced some weeks apart. Maintenance is needed.

Sunekos

• Sunekos is a formula combining hyaluronic acid (non-cross-linked) and amino acids aimed at skin regeneration, improving hydration, elasticity, and structure.
• It’s not a big volumizer; more about “skin booster / mesotherapy” type effect. Helps with fine lines, crepey skin, loss of elasticity, mild laxity.

Pros & Limitations

Here’s how they tend to compare, in general, for dark under-eyes:

Sourcing legitimate CE-marked aesthetic products (fillers, devices, chemical peels etc.) isn’t as simple as signing up on a website. Reputable suppliers in the UK and EU will only sell to qualified professionals and require verification first.

Each pharmacy / supplier has an online registration system but requires professional verification before approving your account.
Suppliers will ask for:

• Proof of qualifications
• Professional indemnity insurance (current certificate).
• Business or clinic registration details (address, CQC details if relevant).
• Photo ID (passport or driving licence).
• Prescriber details if you are a non-prescriber practitioner (some products, e.g. prescription-only medicines like Botox, require a prescriber to order).

What “CE Marked” Means

• The CE mark shows that a product meets EU (and, in many cases, UK) safety, health, and environmental protection standards.
• For aesthetic products, CE marking is essential for medical devices (like dermal fillers, microneedling devices etc) but not for licensed medicines (like Botox, which is a prescription-only medicine, regulated under MHRA instead).

Important:

• Botox is not CE-marked (because it’s a prescription medicine). It must be sourced via a licensed pharmacy against a prescription.
• Dermal fillers,

The duration of results from aesthetic injectable treatments depends on the type of product used, the treatment area, and your individual metabolism, lifestyle, and skin quality. Here’s a breakdown of the most common injectables:

1. Botulinum Toxin (Botox®, Bocoture®, Azzalure®)

• Purpose: Smooth dynamic wrinkles (from muscle movement), e.g., forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines.
• Duration: Typically, 3–4 months. Some newer formulations (like Refyldas) may last 6–9 months in some patients.

2. Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite, PLLA, PMMA)

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers (Juvederm®, Restylane®, RHA Collection):
• Lasts 6–18 months, depending on the product and area (lips metabolize faster, under-eyes and cheeks last longer).

3. Skin-Boosting Injectables (Profhilo®, Skinvive™, etc.)

• Purpose: Hydration, skin quality, collagen stimulation.
• Duration: Typically, 6–9 months, depending on treatment protocol.

Factors that affect longevity:

• Individual metabolism (faster in younger/active people).
• Treatment area (high-motion areas like lips & forehead fade faster).
• Lifestyle (smoking, sun exposure, stress).
• Product choice and amount used.
Not adhering to aftercare advice.

Botox treatments offered at unusually low prices in the UK often signal significant safety concerns. Here’s why:

Why Is Botox So Cheap?

1. Use of Unlicensed or Counterfeit Products. Some providers use botulinum toxin products that are not licensed in the UK, such as Toxpia and Botulax from South Korea. These unregulated substances can cause severe reactions like botulism, leading to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and even respiratory failure.

2. Unqualified or Inexperienced Injectors. In some cases, individuals without aesthetic training administer Botox injections. Improper technique can result in complications like facial nerve damage, drooping eyelids, or unintended muscle paralysis.

3. Unsanitary or Unsafe Environments. Treatments performed in non-clinical settings, such as public toilets or hotel rooms, increase the risk of infections and other adverse outcomes.

4. Diluted or Contaminated Products. Some low-cost Botox may be diluted or contaminated, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of side effects.

The Dangers of Cheap Botox

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reported cases of botulism linked to cosmetic procedures using unlicensed products. Symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop and may include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and breathing difficulty. In severe cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation and intensive care treatment.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify Practitioner Credentials: Ensure the injector is a qualified professional with appropriate training and insurance.
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Check Product Licensing: Confirm that the botulinum toxin used is licensed for use in the UK.
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You will have an appointment with a prescriber, and the product will have your name on it.
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Avoid Unregulated Sources: Do not purchase Botox from unverified online sources or individuals without medical qualifications.
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Report Suspicious Practices: If you encounter unlicensed Botox treatments, report them to the MHRA or local authorities.
In summary, while the allure of cheap Botox is understandable, the potential risks to your health and safety are significant. It’s crucial to prioritize qualified professionals and regulated products to ensure a safe and effective treatment.

Injectable aesthetic treatments (like Botox®, dermal fillers, collagen stimulators, fat-dissolving injections, or skin boosters) are generally considered safe when performed by qualified professionals. However, as with any procedure, there are risks and potential side effects. These can range from mild and temporary to more serious but rare complications.

Common Side Effects (usually mild and temporary)

• Redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
• Pain or tenderness in the treated area
• Itching or mild skin irritation
• Small lumps or bumps under the skin (often resolve on their own)
• Headache (more common with Botox®)
• Temporary numbness or tingling

Less Common but More Noticeable Side Effects

• Asymmetry (uneven results)
• Over- or under-correction (too much or too little product)
• Migration of filler (product moving from the injection site)
• Nodules or granulomas (firm lumps caused by inflammatory reaction)
• Skin discoloration (especially the “Tyndall effect” where filler appears bluish under the skin)

Rare but Serious Risks (require urgent medical attention)

• Infection at the injection site
• Vascular occlusion (filler blocking a blood vessel, leading to pain, skin breakdown, or tissue necrosis)
• Vision loss (extremely rare but possible if filler accidentally enters a blood vessel supplying the eye)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis – very rare)
• Scarring from tissue damage

How to Reduce Risks

• Choose a qualified practitioner.
• Ensure the products used are genuine and licensed.
• Have a consultation first to discuss medical history and suitability.
• Follow aftercare instructions (e.g., avoid makeup for 24 hours, no strenuous exercise or alcohol immediately after).

1. Causes of Botox Resistance

There are a few reasons someone might appear resistant:
1. Antibody Formation
• Repeated Botox injections can trigger the immune system to produce neutralizing antibodies.
• These antibodies can block Botox from working effectively.
• Risk factors: high doses, frequent injections (less than 3 months apart), or using a formulation with higher protein content.
2. Improper Technique or Dosing
• If Botox is injected at the wrong site, too superficially, or at too low a dose, the effect may be minimal.
3. Incorrect Diagnosis or Expectations
• Some wrinkles are caused by factors Botox cannot treat (e.g., skin laxity, deep lines from sun damage).
• Not all muscles respond equally—some people naturally have muscles less sensitive to Botox.
4. Product Differences
• Different brands of botulinum toxin exist (Botox®, Bocouture®, Azzalure®). Some people respond better to one brand than another.

2. How to Manage Botox Resistance

• Switch products: Trying a different botulinum toxin formulation can sometimes bypass antibody issues.
• Increase dose or adjust injection technique: Only under an experienced injector’s supervision.
• Spacing injections properly: Avoid very frequent treatments to reduce antibody formation.
• Combination treatments: Sometimes Botox alone isn’t enough; fillers or skin treatments may complement results.

An aesthetic consultation is a critical step before undergoing any aesthetic procedure. Its importance can be broken down into several key areas:

1. Understanding Patient Goals

• The consultation allows patients to clearly articulate what they hope to achieve.
• The practitioner can assess whether these goals are realistic and safe.
• Misaligned expectations can lead to dissatisfaction, so this step ensures both parties are on the same page.

2. Assessment of Physical Suitability

• The practitioner evaluates anatomy, skin quality, and underlying conditions.
• Certain procedures may not be appropriate due to age, skin type, or medical history.
• Helps in customizing treatments for optimal and natural results.

3. Education About Procedures

Patients learn about the options available, including risks, benefits, recovery time, and expected results.
• This empowers patients to make informed decisions rather than relying on assumptions or trends.

4. Personalized Treatment Planning

• The consultation allows for a tailored treatment plan rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
• Multiple procedures or staged treatments can be mapped out for best outcomes.
• Helps prioritize interventions and manage budget or time considerations.

5. Safety and Risk Management

• Health history and contraindications are assessed to reduce complications.
• Discusses possible side effects, downtime, and aftercare requirements.
• Ensures ethical practice by screening out unsafe candidates.

6. Building Trust and Communication

• Establishes a relationship between the patient and provider.
• Patients can ask questions, voice concerns, and feel more comfortable about the process.
• Reduces anxiety and increases satisfaction with the results.

7. Setting Realistic Expectations

• Visual aids, simulations, or before-and-after images help patients visualize outcomes.
• Ensures patients understand what is achievable and what is not, reducing the risk of disappointment.

Consultations help you visualize results and make informed, confident choices.

Botox / other neuromodulators

• You can generally fly 48 hours later, however the full effect is not until 14 days after when a review is completed and a top-up offered if required.
• The main advice is to avoid lying down flat or massaging the treated area for several hours after injections.

Dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid, etc.)

• You need to wait at least 7 days before flying.
• Flying soon after filler injections can increase swelling and bruising because of cabin pressure changes and reduced circulation.
• If you have any complications (like vascular occlusion, infection, or severe swelling), it’s better to be near your injector or medical support rather than traveling.

General tips if you do choose to ignore advice and fly soon after treatment:

• Stay well hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol, salty foods, and aspirin/ibuprofen (unless prescribed) to reduce swelling/bruising.
• Use a cool compress if swelling increases.
• Monitor for red flags: sudden severe pain, blanching of skin, dusky coloration, or rapidly increasing swelling — seek medical help immediately if these occur.

Whether Botox or fillers make someone “look fake” depends a lot on how they’re used, the areas treated, and your natural features. Here’s a clear breakdown:

1. Botox:
• Works by relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles (like frown lines or crow’s feet).
• When done conservatively, it smooths lines but still allows natural facial expressions.
• Overuse can make expressions look frozen or mask emotions, which is usually what people call a “fake” look.

2. Dermal fillers:
• Add volume to areas like cheeks, lips, or chin etc.
• Subtle filler can restore youthful contours while keeping a natural appearance.
• Overfilling or using the wrong technique can create a puffy, overdone, or artificial look.

Key factors for a natural result:
• Experienced injector: Technique matters more than the product.
• Moderation: Small, gradual treatments tend to look more natural.
• Facial harmony: Enhancements that respect your natural bone structure and features usually look more authentic.
• Maintenance: Regular touch-ups instead of large, infrequent doses can prevent an unnatural look.

Yes, in many cases a skilled aesthetic practitioner can correct or improve work done by another provider, but the approach depends on what was done and how much time has passed. It is always best to approach your original practitioner initially to ‘correct’ their work. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Botox Corrections
• Overdone Botox (frozen look):
• Usually wears off naturally in 3–6 months.
• Some practitioners may use small doses in surrounding muscles to restore a more balanced expression.
• Uneven results or drooping (ptosis):
• Can sometimes be improved by carefully adjusting adjacent muscles.

2. Filler Corrections
• Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers:
• Can often be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if too much was injected, causing lumpiness, asymmetry, or overfull lips.
• Once dissolved, you can re-inject more naturally after the area heals.
• Non-dissolvable fillers (permanent or semi-permanent):
• More challenging to correct.
• Techniques include surgical removal, or using additional filler strategically, but results are less predictable.

3. Timing Matters
• Immediate corrections (within a few days to weeks) are usually easier.
• Older filler or Botox issues may take longer to adjust, and complete “undoing” may not always be possible.

We do not offer this service as we feel this is too high risk and requires a licensed plastic surgeon to perform.

Health Risks of Liquid BBLs and Breast Fillers

Liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs)

These procedures involve injecting large volumes of dermal fillers, often hyaluronic acid, into the buttocks to achieve augmentation. However, they carry significant risks:

• Infections and Sepsis: Reports indicate that over 50% of cases result in severe complications, including infections and sepsis, leading to hospitalization and sometimes surgical intervention.
• Tissue Death and Abscesses: Injected fillers can cause tissue necrosis and the formation of abscesses, which may require surgical removal.
• Filler Migration: The injected material can migrate from its intended site, leading to uneven results and potential complications.

Breast Filler Injections

Like liquid BBLs, breast fillers involve injecting substances like hyaluronic acid into the breast tissue. These procedures are associated with:
• Infections and Abscesses: Injections can lead to infections and the formation of abscesses, requiring medical intervention.
• Tissue Reactions: The body may react to the injected material, causing inflammation and other adverse effects.
• Difficulty in Imaging: Filler injections can complicate breast imaging, potentially masking signs of breast cancer.

Regulatory Landscape in the UK

The UK government has recognized the dangers of these procedures and is taking steps to regulate them:
• Licensing and Oversight: A new licensing system is being introduced, requiring practitioners to meet rigorous safety, training, and insurance standards before legally operating.
• High-Risk Procedure Classification: Procedures like liquid BBLs and breast filler injections are classified as high-risk and will be subject to stricter regulations.

Consumer Safety and Recommendations

Given the significant risks associated with liquid BBLs and breast filler injections, consumers are advised to:
• Avoid Unregulated Providers: Do not undergo these procedures with unqualified practitioners, especially those operating in unregulated environments.
• Seek Qualified Professionals: Ensure that the practitioner is a qualified healthcare professional operating in a regulated clinical setting.
• Be Informed: Fully understand the risks and potential complications before considering such procedures.

Dermal fillers are packaged in sterile syringes, once opened the product is exposed to potential contamination, as exposed to air and bacteria and is no longer considered sterile. Any filler left in a syringe after treatment is disposed of safely as recommended by manufacturers to reduce the risk of serious infection.

1. Timing of Results
• Botox typically starts to take effect 3–5 days after injection.
• By 2 weeks, most patients see the full effect, which is usually the optimal time for evaluation.

2. What to Look For
At the 2-week mark, check for:
• Wrinkle reduction: The treated areas (forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines) should appear smoother.
• Symmetry: Both sides of your face should respond evenly.
• Movement: You should still have some natural movement, but the targeted muscles should be relaxed.
• Bruising or swelling: Minor bruising usually resolves within 1–2 weeks.

3. What’s Normal
• Slight unevenness at first (often improves over a few days).
• Minor swelling, tenderness, or small bumps at injection sites.
• Mild headaches or temporary muscle weakness in nearby areas (rare).

4. What May Require a Follow-Up
• Incomplete effect: If some lines still appear active, a touch-up may be scheduled after 2–3 weeks.
• Asymmetry or drooping: Rare but sometimes occurs if Botox spreads. Your provider can correct minor issues.

5. Maintenance
• Effects usually last 3–4 months.
• Repeat treatments maintain smoothness and prevent lines from deepening.

In the UK, the regulation of aesthetic treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers has been evolving to enhance patient safety and ensure practitioner competence. Here’s an overview of the current and upcoming regulations:

🇬🇧 England: Licensing and Oversight
• Licensing Scheme: The UK government is implementing a new licensing system for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including Botox and dermal fillers. This system mandates that practitioners meet rigorous safety, training, and insurance standards before legally operating.
• Tiered Regulation: Procedures are categorized by risk level. High-risk treatments, like non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs), must be performed by qualified healthcare professionals in Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered premises. Lower-risk procedures, such as Botox and fillers, will require local authority licenses and adherence to specific safety protocols.
• Under-18 Restrictions: Since October 2021, it’s illegal to administer Botox or fillers to individuals under 18 in England, with certain exceptions if authorized by a healthcare professional.

The difference between warm wax and hot wax mainly comes down to temperature, usage, and skin type compatibility. Here’s a detailed comparison:

1. Hair Removal Technique
• Warm wax:
• Typically strip wax.
• Applied thinly, and a cloth or paper strip is pressed on top and pulled off to remove hair.
• Hot wax:
• Usually, strip less wax.
• Applied thickly and allowed to harden slightly; then pulled off directly with fingers.
• Best for short, coarse, or stubborn hair.

2. Best Areas for Use
• Warm wax:
• Larger areas like legs, arms, and back.
• Works well for finer hair.
• Hot wax:
• Sensitive areas like bikini line, underarms, and face.
• Clings to coarse hair better and less likely to irritate the skin.

There are a few reasons why someone might choose to dissolve lip filler. Please note an elective dissolve requires a prescription. Most fillers used are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), which can be safely dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase (prescription only medication). People decide to dissolve filler if:

• Overfilled or unnatural look → Lips may look too large, lumpy, or disproportionate.
• Migration → Filler can spread outside the lip border, causing puffiness above the lip (“filler moustache”) or uneven contours.
• Asymmetry → One side of the lips might look bigger or shaped differently than the other.
• Lumps or bumps → Sometimes filler doesn’t integrate well, leaving palpable or visible irregularities.

Complications → Rare but important reasons include vascular occlusion (when filler blocks blood flow), infection, or allergic reaction — in these cases, dissolving filler quickly is essential.

Dissolving is usually quick and effective, but it can cause temporary swelling or bruising. After dissolving, people can either leave their lips natural or start fresh with new filler for a more refined result.

1. Optimizes Results
• Aftercare helps the treatment work as intended, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome (e.g., smoother skin after microneedling, reduced swelling after fillers etc).
• It prevents actions or products from interfering with healing or reducing effectiveness.

2. Prevents Complications
• Proper aftercare reduces the risk of infection, irritation, burns, scarring, or hyperpigmentation.
• Many treatments leave the skin vulnerable (e.g., open microchannels after microneedling, or sensitivity after chemical peels), so ignoring advice can lead to damage.

3. Supports Healing
• The skin and underlying tissues need time to repair. Following guidance (such as using gentle cleansers, applying SPF, or avoiding makeup for a period) helps the body heal properly.
• Some treatments involve swelling or bruising—aftercare helps reduce discomfort and speeds up recovery.

4. Protects Your Investment
• Aesthetic treatments often involve significant time and cost. Aftercare protects the money and effort you’ve put in by ensuring longer-lasting, more noticeable results.

5. Maintains Safety
• Certain activities (like sun exposure, strenuous exercise, or alcohol consumption) can increase risks like swelling, bleeding, or pigment changes. Aftercare instructions are designed to keep you safe.
In short: Aftercare is just as important as the treatment itself—it’s what ensures you heal well, stay safe, and see the best possible results.