The Patient Journey in Facial Aesthetics: Findings from a European Consensus Meeting on Improving the Quality of Life for Patients Receiving Botulinum Toxin Injections

Abstract

Wolfgang G Philipp-Dormston,1,2 Koenraad De Boulle,3 Yoav Gronovich,4 Nick Lowe,5,6 Karim Sayed,7– 9 Dimitrios Sykianakis,10 Serhan Tuncer11 1Hautzentrum Köln, Cologne, Germany; 2Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany; 3Aalst Dermatology Clinic, Aalst, Belgium; 4Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; 5University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; 6University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 7Nomi Oslo Clinic, Oslo, Norway; 8Ouronyx Clinic, London, UK; 9University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway; 10Well Aging Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece; 11Private Practice, Ankara, TurkeyCorrespondence: Wolfgang G Philipp-Dormston, Hautzentrum Köln, Schillingsrotter Str. 39-41, Cologne, 50996, Germany, Tel [phone], Fax [phone], Email [email protected]: Successful treatment of facial lines with botulinum toxin is largely dependent on patient satisfaction; thus, a structured treatment journey that uses patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is helpful for maximizing botulinum toxin results. To develop a patient-centric approach for botulinum toxin injections in facial aesthetics, a group of clinicians met to provide opinions on an optimal treatment journey that uses PROs to quantify treatment benefits on patient quality of life.Patients and Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of 9 clinicians with expertise in facial aesthetic procedures convened for an advisory board that was preceded by and followed up with a structured, multistep consensus discussion. Based on current literature, the panel’s expertise, structured questions, and group discussion, panelists assessed, reconciled, and agreed upon on a patient journey for botulinum toxin treatment in facial aesthetics.Results: Panelists agreed that an optimal patient journey includes screening, assessment, treatment, posttreatment, and follow-up visits. A compact, easy-to-complete, and digital PRO questionnaire should be provided before the visit. During screening, thorough assessments are integral for a successful patient journey because they provide an opportunity to understand treatment goals, address patient concerns, discuss risks and benefits, obtain medication lists/medical history, and take pretreatment photographs. Treatment strategies should include discussing and educating on the approach/choice of botulinum toxin and ensuring patients are comfortable. Posttreatment, clinicians should request intense muscle movements to enhance product uptake and be available to address patient concerns. Finally, during follow-up, PRO questionnaires can be provided to gauge patient satisfaction with treatment, and pretreatment photographs can be provided to allow patients to track their progression. Follow-ups should be scheduled with new patients or those reporting low satisfaction.Conclusion: Establishing a relationship, being aware of the patient’s goals, and developing an individualized care plan allows for a structured, patient-centered treatment journey that promotes positive aesthetic outcomes.Keywords: patient satisfaction, patient-reported outcome measures, neurotoxins, body image, skin aging

Keywords

• patient satisfaction
• patient-reported outcome measures
• neurotoxins
• body image
• skin aging