Neurotoxin Consent Form
Instructions
This is an informed-consent document that has been prepared to help inform you about DYSPORT
(Abobotulinum Toxin A) injections and BOTOX (Botulinum toxin A), its risks, as well as alternative
treatment(s). It is important that you read this information carefully and completely. Please read
the page and sign the consent as proposed by your provider and agreed upon by you.
General Information
Clostridia botulina bacteria produce a class of chemical compounds known as “toxins”. The
Dysport and Botox are processed and purified to produce a sterile product suitable for specific
therapeutic uses. Once the diluted toxin is injected, it produces a temporary paralysis (chemo
denervation) of muscle by preventing transmission of nerve impulses to muscle. The duration of
muscle paralysis generally lasts for approximately three to four months.
Dysport and Botox, has been approved by Health Canada for the cosmetic treatment of: Forehead
Wrinkles, Crow’s feet wrinkles and between the Eyes Brow. Other areas of the face and body such
as smoker’s lines around the lips and neck bands may be treated in an “off-label” fashion.
Dysport and Botox injections are customized for every patient, depending on his or her needs.
These can be performed in areas involving the eyelid region, forehead, and neck. Dysport and
Botox cannot stop the process of aging. It can, however, temporarily diminish the look of wrinkles
caused by muscle groups.
Alternative Treatments
Alternative forms of management include not treating the skin wrinkles by any means.
Improvement of skin wrinkles may be accomplished by other treatments or alternative types of
surgery such as a blepharoplasty, face or brow lift when indicated. Other forms of eyelid surgery
may be needed should you have intrinsic disorders affecting the function of the eyelid such as
drooping eyelids from muscle problems (eyelid ptosis) or looseness between the eyelid and
eyeball (ectropion). Minor skin wrinkling may be improved through chemical skin peels, lasers,
injection of filling material, or other skin treatments. Risks and potential complications are
associated with alternative forms of medical or surgical treatment.
Inherent Risks
Every procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these
risks and the possible complications associated with them. In addition, every procedure has
limitations. An individual’s choice to undergo a medical procedure is based on the comparison of
the risk to potential benefit. Results of treatment will vary from client to client. Some clients may
require more treatment to achieve desire results. This will be discussed between you and your
provider.
Specific Risks
Incomplete Block:
It is possible to not experience a complete block of desired muscles. Additional injections to reach
the desired level of block can be performed until the goal is achieved.
Asymmetry:
The human face and eyelid region are normally asymmetrical with respect to structural anatomy
and function. There can be a variation from one side to the other in terms of the response to
Dysport and Botox.
Drooping Eyelid (Ptosis):
Muscles that raise the eyelid may be affected by Dysport and Botox should this material migrate
downward from other injection areas.
Pain:
Discomfort associated with Dysport and Botox injections is usually of short duration.
Migration of BOTOX:
Dysport and Botox may migrate from its original injection site to other areas and produce
temporary paralysis of other muscle groups or other unintended effects. Dysport and Botox has
been reported to cause swallowing problems in patients treated for spastic muscle disorders of
the cervical region (cervical dystonia).
Bleeding and Bruising:
It is possible, though unusual, to have a bleeding episode from a Dysport and Botox injection.
Bruising in soft tissues may occur. Serious bleeding around the eyeball during deeper Dysport and
Botox injections for crossed eyes (strabismus) has occurred. Should you develop post-injection
bleeding, it may require emergency treatment or surgery. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications,
platelet inhibitors, anticoagulants, Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and other “herbs / homeopathic
remedies” may contribute to a greater risk of a bleeding problem. Do not take these for ten days
before or after Dysport and Botox injections.
Damage to Deeper Structures:
Deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and the eyeball may be damaged during the
course of injection. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.
Corneal Exposure Problems:
Problems: Some patients experience difficulties closing their eyelids after Dysport and Botox
injections and problems may occur in the cornea due to dryness. Should this rare complication
occur, additional treatments, protective eye drops, contact lenses, or surgery may be necessary.
Unknown Risks:
The long-term effect of Dysport and Botox on tissue is unknown. The risk and consequences of
accidental intravascular injection of Dysport and Botox is unknown and not predictable. There is
the possibility that additional risk factors may be discovered.
Dry Eye Problems:
Individuals who normally have dry eyes may be advised to use special caution in considering
Dysport and Botox injections around the eyelid region.
Double-Vision:
Double-vision may be produced if the Dysport and Botox material migrates into the region of
muscles that control movements of the eyeball.
Eyelid Ectropion:
Abnormal looseness of the lower eyelid can occur following Dysport and Botox injection.
Other Eye Disorders:
Functional and irritative disorders of eye structures may rarely occur following Dysport and Botox
injections.
Blindness:
Blindness is extremely rare after Dysport and Botox injections. However, it can be caused by
internal bleeding around the eyeball or needle stick injury. In a period of 10 years of Dysport and
Botox administration, complications of blurred vision, retinal vein occlusion, and glaucoma have
been reported in three patients. The occurrence of eye problems appears to be very rare.
Allergic Reactions:
As with all biologic products, allergic and systemic anaphylactic reactions may occur. Allergic
reactions may require additional treatment.
Antibodies to DYSPORT and BOTOX:
Presence of antibodies to Dysport and Botox may reduce the effectiveness of this material in
subsequent injections. The health significance of antibodies to Dysport and Botox is unknown.
Infection:
Infection is extremely rare after Dysport and Botox injection. Should an infection occur, additional
treatment including antibiotics may be necessary.
Skin Disorders:
Skin rash, itching, and swelling may rarely occur following Dysport and Botox injection.
Neuromuscular Disorders:
Patients with peripheral motor neuropathic disorders (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia
gravis, and motor neuropathies) may be at greater risk of clinically significant side effects from
Dysport and Botox.
Migraine Headache Disorders:
Dysport and Botox has been used to treat forehead muscle groups that are involved with the
migraine headache condition. Patients are advised that results of Dysport and Botox treatment for
migraine headaches may be variable and improvement in this disorder may not occur following
Dysport and Botox treatments.
Unsatisfactory Result:
There is the possibility of a poor or inadequate response from Dysport and Botox injection.
Additional Dysport and Botox injections may be necessary. Surgical procedures or treatments may
be needed to improve skin wrinkles including those caused by muscle activity.
Long-Term Effects:
Subsequent alterations in face and eyelid appearance may occur as the result of aging, weight
loss, weight gain, sun exposure, pregnancy, menopause, or other circumstances not related to
Dysport and Botox injections. Dysport and Botox injection does not arrest the aging process or
produce permanent tightening of the eyelid region. Future surgery or other treatments may be
necessary.
Pregnancy and Nursing Mothers:
Animal reproduction studies have not been performed to determine if Dysport and Botox could
produce fetal harm. It is not known if Dysport and Botox can be excreted in human milk. It is not
recommended that pregnant women or nursing mothers receive Dysport and Botox treatments.
Drug Interactions:
The effect of Dysport and Botox may be potentiated by aminoglycoside antibiotics or other drugs
known to interfere with neuromuscular transmission. Contraindications To Treatment
Elective Cosmetic Procedures Results
It is important that all patients seeking to undergo cosmetic procedures have realistic expectations that
focus on improvement rather than perfection. Complications or less than satisfactory results are
sometimes unavoidable, may require additional procedures and often are stressful. Please openly
discuss with your nurse, prior to the procedure, any history that you may have of significant emotional
depression or mental health disorders. Although many individuals may benefit psychologically from the
results of elective cosmetic procedure, effects on mental health cannot be accurately predicted.
Additional Treatment
There are many variable conditions in addition to risk and potential complications that may influence
the long-term result of neurotoxin injections. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the
risks cited are the ones that are particularly associated with neurotoxin injections. Other complications
and risks can occur but are even more uncommon. Should complications occur, additional surgery or
other treatments may be necessary. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or
warranty expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained with the use of neurotoxins
injections. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science.
Off-Label
Marketing
We use a variety of ways to inform our patients about various procedures. Examples include radio, TV and
print advertising, the internet, patient seminars, consultations with staff members, phone calls, mailings,
brochures, videos and literature. Some of these materials are generated by the product manufacturers
and/ or advertising companies. Medicine is constantly changing and therefore the information in these
materials may have changed. Reading this informed consent, consulting with your provider about the
procedure, its alternatives and risks and asking questions is the best way to understand potential
complications and decide if this procedure is right for you.
Joint Decision Making
I understand I must work together with my provider to agree on treatment plan. My provider relies on the
information I give. I have fully disclosed my medical history; including allergies, prior surgeries, medications
and supplements I am taking, and current health conditions. I understand that following the pre-procedure
and post-procedure instructions will affect the success of my procedure. I will follow those instructions
carefully, asking questions when they arise.
Communication
Patient Responsibility For Costs
The cost of neurotoxins injections may involve several charges. This includes the professional fee for the
injections, follow up visits to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment, and the cost of the material itself. It
is unlikely that neurotoxin injections to treat cosmetic problems would be covered by your health insurance.
Additional costs of medical treatment would be your responsibility should complications develop from
neurotoxin injections. You would also be responsible for additional forms of treatments recommended to
improve the appearance of facial wrinkles and soft tissue depressions. If additional interim injections of
neurotoxins are recommended in order to maintain or improve results, you will be responsible for the costs
of this additional treatment.
Medical Records
I understand and agree that this consent document will become a part of my medical record. Patient's
Statement of Acceptance and Understanding I certify that I can speak, read and write English. The details of
this procedure have been presented to me in full in a way that I understand. All of my questions have been
answered and, as needed, I have been provided further explanation to my satisfaction. I have read this
informed consent (or it has been read to me) and I fully understand the procedure, the possible risks,
complications, alternatives and benefits. I understand that there are other options for treatment available
and each of these other options has been fully explained to me to my satisfaction. I acknowledge that no
guarantee has been given by anyone as to the results that may be obtained. I consent to the
administration of such anesthetics considered necessary or advisable. I understand that all forms of
anesthesia involve risk and the possibility of complications, injury and sometimes death. I recognize that
during the course of the procedure and medical treatment or anesthesia, unforeseen conditions may
necessitate different procedures than originally planned. I therefore authorize the nurse to perform such
other procedures that are in the exercise of his or her professional judgment necessary and desirable. I
understand that there is a possibility of rare side effects and I further understand the importance of
carefully following the post-care instructions and that failure to comply may increase the probability of
complications. I consent to treatment with neurotoxins injections.
Acknowledgment
Before and after treatment instructions have been discussed with me. The procedure, potential
benefits and risks, and alternative treatment options have been explained to my satisfaction. I
consent to the administration of such anesthetic considered necessary or advisable. I
understand that all forms of anesthetics involve risk and the possibility of complications, injury,
and sometimes death. I have been given the opportunity to ask questions and consult with the
medical practitioner and hereby certify that I have read and fully understand the contents of this
consent form.
I confirm that the medical health history form has been completed truthfully and I am fully
aware that withholding medical information may be detrimental to the safe and optimal
outcome of any treatment that the practitioner agrees to undertake. If there are any changes in
my medical history, I must inform the practitioner. I certify that l am a competent adult of at
least 18 years of age and am not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and have disclosed to
the service provider of any relevant medical history.
I have answered these entire questions as honestly and completely as possible and I have not
withheld any medical information from the nurse injector or nurse practitioner. Andrea Gounden– Nurse Practitioner CNO #11470035 and nurse injectors from Anastasija Medical Aesthetics, are
not responsible for any adverse events that occurs for the failure to disclose health information
as asked.
I understand that the procedure is purely elective, that the results may vary with each individual,
and multiple treatments may be necessary. I agree to adhere to all safety precautions and
instructions after the treatment. I have been instructed in and understand post treatment
instructions and have been given a written copy of them.
I have been informed about the “Off-Label” Health Canada status of Dysport and Botox and I
understand it is not experimental and accept its use. I am not pregnant, and I am not
breastfeeding. (Female patients only).
I understand that there can be no guarantee or assurance as to the final result that may be
obtained. Any expenses which may being cured for medical care I elect to receive outside of this
office, such as, but not limited to dissatisfaction of my treatment outcome will be my sole financial
responsibility. I understand and agree that all services rendered to me are charged to me directly
and that I am personally responsible for full payment.
I hereby give consent to perform this and all subsequent treatments with the above
understanding. I hereby release the doctor, the person injecting, and the facility from liability
associated with this procedure and agree not to take legal action. This consent form is freely and
voluntarily executed and binding upon my spouse, relatives, legal representatives, heirs,
administrators, successors and assigns. I am aware that by signing this agreement I am waiving
certain legal right which I or my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and
representative may have against the operator.