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

Wolfgang G Philipp-Dormston; Koenraad De Boulle; Yoav Gronovich; Nick Lowe; Karim Sayed; Dimitrios Sykianakis; Serhan Tuncer

doi:10.2147/CCID.S446891

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

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024 Feb 2:17:329-337. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S446891. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Wolfgang G Philipp-Dormston^{1

2}, Koenraad De Boulle³, Yoav Gronovich⁴, Nick Lowe^{5

6}, Karim Sayed^{7

8

9}, Dimitrios Sykianakis¹⁰, Serhan Tuncer¹¹

Affiliations

¹ Hautzentrum Köln, Cologne, Germany.
² Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
³ Aalst Dermatology Clinic, Aalst, Belgium.
⁴ Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
⁵ University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
⁶ University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
⁷ Nomi Oslo Clinic, Oslo, Norway.
⁸ Ouronyx Clinic, London, UK.
⁹ University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway.
¹⁰ Well Aging Athens Clinic, Athens, Greece.
¹¹ Private Practice, Ankara, Turkey.

Abstract

Purpose: 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: body image; neurotoxins; patient satisfaction; patient-reported outcome measures; skin aging.

Grants and funding

Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie Company, funded this study and participated in the study design, research, analysis, data collection, interpretation of data, reviewing, and approval of the publication. All authors had access to relevant data and participated in the drafting, review, and approval of this publication. No honoraria or payments were made for authorship.