February 2010

I no longer see patients at home and will be working from Consulting Rooms just 300 yards towards leigh at 151A Kings Road. Telephone 0845 4564047 for an appointment. For a new or retreatment ask for a 20 minute appointment and 10 minutes for a "top up" At the moment only Wednesday afternoon 3 pm to 6 pm is available

OCTOBER 09

Looks like I'm going to leave Kings Road next year. My work in the Stroke Unit at Southend Hospital is proving to be more time consuming than I thought. I will take a consulting room somewhere in the Westcliff area but this will only be for a couple of half days/evenings each week and won't have the flexibilty which I have had in the past

NOVEMBER 07

MORE ON VAT !! All change, as I get your BOTOX on prescription it now appears that VAT will not, after all, be levied.

Giselle and I no longer work together and she can't be contacted through my telephone number. I plan to make other arrangements for the "filler" aspect of the practice.

OCTOBER 07

MORE ON VAT !! Although I need not register for VAT we now have to pay VAT on the BOTOX purchases - this is despite writing prescriptions for the BOTOX. Incidentally the pathology lab I use for private blood tests now charges VAT on these; clearly major changes are afoot !! Previously anything regarded as medical did not attract VAT so private care may well become even more expensive.

My charges have increased a lttle although I have absorped some of the VAT

July 07

BOTOX INJECTORS/PRACTITIONERS - there seems to be a rapid growth in the number of these "mobile injectors" usually indicated by adverts in beauty salons/hairdressers - many of these (whether medically qualified or not) - will be experienced and competent but some will be "dabblers". The questions to ask include - how many ampoules of BOTOX do they use each year ( should be at least 100 ), where did they receive their training, are they insured, how do you contact them urgently if the treatment causes problems or doesn't work as you hoped, do they take pretreatment photos. They should be based close to the place where treatment is given and not visiting from a considerable distance.

If they are not medically qualified how do they get their BOTOX which is a "prescription only" medication.

May 07

VAT: This applies to aesthetic/cosmetic medical and surgical practice from May 1st. However, as the only aesthetic I perform is BOTOX injection I intend to restrict my client list keeping under the limit for VAT registration and therefore will not be charging VAT. Treatment for underarm sweating and headache is regarded as medical and will continue to be assessed as 0% VAT

Regards John M

April 07

ISOLAGEN: you may be aware that the company has withdrawn from the UK market. They say it's nothing to do with the effectiveness of the technique of injecting one's own cells - well they would say that wouldn't they !!! I was never very impressed with their research and along with a number of other responsible practitioners chose not to become involved

Regards John M

3rd August 06

I'm often asked to recommend a plastic surgeon, the spate of "makeover" TV shows has obviously strirred up interest. You must be VERY sure you wish to go down this route and be aware that 100% success is not possible. All surgeons have complications at some time and you should ask about this during your consultation. Locally I recommend Loshan Kangasue (I think the spelling is right!), BUPA Wellesley Hospital in Southend.

26th June 06

NEW PRODUCTS: I'm often asked about developments reported in the media. Those of you who know me are aware that my background is hospital medicine and before I'd use any new medical treatment or new drug in this environment I would wish to see sound scientific data to support change.

I have to say that there is much "quackery" in the cosmetic (aesthetic) world. Claims of miracle weight loss, fat busting injections, vitamin and mineral injections all make me remember the tooth fairy!! If you are desperate to believe it's easy to con yourself and spend a great deal of money

Remember it's your face we're talking about and any disasters may stare back at you for years! On the other hand many of these treatments appear to be harmless and if it makes you feel good about yourself ........well ok

Regards John Mellor