INFORMED CONSENT FOR ANTI-WRINKLE (BOTULINUM) INJECTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS
This is an informed consent document that has been prepared to help inform you concerning anti-wrinkle injection, its risks, and alternative treatment(s).

It is important that you read this information carefully and completely. Please initial each page, indicating that you have read the page and sign the consent for surgery as proposed by your plastic surgeon.

INTRODUCTION
Anti-wrinkle injections involve a series of small injections in order to weaken the chosen muscles for example on the brow or below the eyes. Weakening of the injected muscles begins to be apparent after 2-3 days with the peak effect being reached after 7 days. Results can last 4-7 months, when the procedure can be repeated if desired. Injections given at less than three monthly intervals may reduce the efficacy of the injections.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Alternative forms of non-surgical and surgical management for the appearance of wrinkles and lines in the skin consist of Collagen treatment, laserbrasion and a browlift. Risks and potential complications are associated with alternative forms of treatment.

RISKS of Anti-wrinkle Injections
Every procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand the risks involved. An individual’s choice to undergo a procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of Anti-wrinkle injections.

Bleeding- It is possible, though unusual, to experience a bleeding episode during or after the procedure. Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications for ten days before surgery, as this may contribute to a greater risk of bleeding.

Bruising - may be evident following injection at the site of this procedure.

Infection- Infection is unusual. Should an infection occur, additional treatment including antibiotics may be necessary.

Unsatisfactory result- There is the possibility of an unsatisfactory result from the procedure.

The procedure may result in unacceptable visible deformities, loss of function and/or loss of sensation. You may be disappointed with the results of the procedure.

Allergic reactions- In rare cases, local allergies to topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions, which are more serious, may result from drugs used during surgery and prescription medicines. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.

Drooping of the eyelids (Ptosis) - This is a rare but transient complication occurring in 1-2% of patients. The incidence can be minimised by positioning post injection.

ADDITIONAL SURGERY NECESSARY
In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single procedure. Should complications occur, other treatments may be necessary. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks cited are the ones that are particularly associated with anti-wrinkle injections. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there cannot be any guarantee or warranty expressed or implied on the results that may be obtained.

DISCLAIMER
Informed-consent documents are used to communicate information about the proposed treatment of a disease or condition along with disclosure of risks and alternative forms of treatment(s). The informed-consent process attempts to define principles of risk disclosure that should generally meet the needs of most patients in most circumstances.

However, informed-consent documents should not be considered all inclusive in defining other methods of care and risks encountered. Your plastic surgeon may provide you with additional or different information which is based on all the facts in your particular case and the state of medical knowledge.

Informed-consent documents are not intended to define or serve as the standard of medical care. Standards of medical care are determined on the basis of all of the facts involved in an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and as practice patterns evolve.

It is important that you read the above information carefully and have all of your questions answered before signing this consent.

I have read a copy of the foregoing consent for the operation, understand it, accept these facts, and hereby authorise the above doctor(s) to perform the procedure of anti-wrinkle injections.

IF THE PATIENT IS A MINOR, COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING

The patient is a minor of ______ years of age; and we, the undersigned, are the parents or legal guardian of the patient and do hereby consent for the patient.

Parent or Legal Guardian ______________________________________________________________

Witness____________________________________________________________________________

20 Manning Road Double Bay N.S.W. 2028 Telephone: (02) 9362 7400 Facsimile: (02) 9328 6036

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The Cosmetic and Restorative Surgery Clinic and the Double Bay Day Surgery
20 Manning Road, Double Bay 2028, Australia
tel:+61 (2) 9362 7400 fax:+61 (2) 9328 6036

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