Frequently Asked
Questions

Yes. Archie is an Industry Leading Advanced Aesthetic Practitioner and Science-led educator with over 5 years of experience in aesthetic medicine. He holds advanced qualifications in facial anatomy, injection techniques, and complication management. He is fully insured with specialist aesthetic medical indemnity insurance and follows strict clinical protocols for every treatment.

The Aesthetic Scientist™ clinic is based in Sandwell, West Midlands, serving Birmingham and the surrounding areas including Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, and Solihull. Exact location details are provided upon booking confirmation to ensure client privacy and security.

You can book online 24/7 through our booking system on the Book Now page. All new clients require a consultation before treatment — this can be conducted in-person or virtually. Returning clients can book directly. You can also contact us via the contact form or social media for any queries before booking.

Yes, all new clients must complete a consultation before any treatment. This allows Archie to assess your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, explain the procedure in full, and create a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your facial anatomy. Consultations are complimentary and can be done in-person or online.

The Aesthetic Scientist™ is built on a science-led, anatomy-first philosophy. Rather than following trends, Archie uses a deep understanding of facial anatomy and product science to create results that are natural, balanced, and long-lasting. Every treatment is bespoke — no two faces are treated the same. Archie also developed his own signature techniques including Russian Doll Lips™ and The Lip Fix™, which are taught to practitioners across the UK.

Absolutely. Archie treats clients of all genders. Male aesthetic treatments are tailored to enhance masculine features — typically focusing on jawline definition, chin projection, under-eye correction, and anti-wrinkle treatments. Male facial anatomy differs significantly from female anatomy, and Archie's science-led approach ensures results are always gender-appropriate.

You must be 18 years or older to receive any aesthetic treatment at The Aesthetic Scientist™. We do not treat anyone under 18 under any circumstances, in line with UK regulations and our own ethical standards. Valid photo ID may be requested at your appointment.

Yes, you are welcome to bring a friend or family member for support. However, for treatment sessions, we ask that only the client is present in the treatment room to maintain a calm, focused environment and protect client confidentiality.

Russian Doll Lips™ is Archie's signature lip enhancement technique that builds a full, flat, and sweetheart-shaped lip — defined by a high cupid's bow and a perfectly curved bottom lip at its centre. Unlike traditional lip filler techniques that simply add volume, Russian Doll Lips™ focuses on architectural structure, precise product placement, and lip shape design. The result is a defined, natural-looking lip that photographs beautifully and suits the individual's facial proportions.

The amount of filler used depends entirely on your starting point, goals, and facial anatomy. Archie typically uses between 0.5ml and 2ml per session. For first-time clients, a conservative approach is recommended — it's always easier to add more at a follow-up than to over-fill. Archie will advise the optimal amount during your consultation.

Natural-looking results are the cornerstone of Archie's approach. The goal is always to enhance your existing features rather than create an obviously "done" look. Archie's science-led technique considers your lip-to-face ratio, facial symmetry, and natural lip shape to ensure results are proportionate and flattering. The before-and-after results gallery on our Results page showcases the consistently natural outcomes achieved.

Discomfort is minimal. A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment and most dermal fillers also contain lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) within the product itself, which further reduces sensation during injection. Most clients describe the feeling as a mild pressure or pinch. The entire lip treatment typically takes 20-30 minutes.

Lip filler typically lasts 6-12 months, though this varies depending on the product used, your metabolism, lifestyle factors, and how much filler was placed. Lips tend to metabolise filler faster than other areas due to the constant movement. Archie will advise on the expected longevity of your specific treatment during consultation.

Yes, in most cases. Archie will assess the current state of your lips, check for any existing filler, and advise whether it's safe to add more or whether dissolving first is recommended. If you have had poor results elsewhere, Archie also offers The Lip Fix™ — a specialist correction and restoration service.

The Lip Fix™ is Archie's specialist lip correction and restoration service for clients who have experienced poor results from previous filler treatments — including migration, lumps, asymmetry, or an unnatural appearance. The process typically involves dissolving existing filler with hyaluronidase, allowing the lips to settle, and then rebuilding with Archie's signature technique. Results are transformative and the service has helped hundreds of clients regain confidence in their appearance.

We recommend avoiding lipstick and lip products for at least 24 hours after treatment to reduce the risk of infection and allow the filler to settle. After 24 hours, you can resume normal lip product use. Avoid very heavy lip pressure (such as kissing or drinking through straws) for the first 24-48 hours.

The Aesthetic Scientist™ offers a comprehensive range of aesthetic treatments including: lip fillers (Russian Doll Lips™, The Lip Fix™), dermal fillers for cheeks, jawline, chin, and under-eyes, anti-wrinkle injections (Botox), non-surgical rhinoplasty, tear trough treatment, and bespoke facial balancing. Full treatment details and pricing are available on the Treatments page.

Dermal filler longevity varies by treatment area and product used. Cheek and jawline fillers typically last 12-18 months. Lip fillers last 6-12 months. Under-eye (tear trough) filler can last 12-18 months. Anti-wrinkle injections last 3-4 months on average. Individual metabolism, lifestyle, and the amount of product used all influence how long results last.

Most treatments have minimal downtime. You may experience mild swelling, redness, tenderness, or bruising for 1-5 days depending on the treatment area and your individual response. Lips tend to swell more than other areas. We provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to minimise side effects and recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, alcohol, and excessive heat for 24-48 hours post-treatment.

We only use premium, medical-grade products from trusted manufacturers including Juvederm, Restylane, Teosyal, and Botox (Allergan). All products are CE-marked, purchased exclusively from licensed UK pharmaceutical suppliers, and stored according to manufacturer guidelines. We never use unbranded or grey-market products.

Yes. Archie specialises in filler correction and dissolving through The Lip Fix™ service and general filler correction treatments. He has extensive experience managing complications including migration, asymmetry, lumps, and vascular compromise. If you've had a poor experience elsewhere, book a consultation and Archie will assess your situation and create a correction plan.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty (also called a "liquid nose job") uses dermal filler to reshape and refine the nose without surgery. It can correct bumps, improve symmetry, lift the tip, and create a more balanced profile. Results are immediate, last 12-18 months, and are fully reversible. It's an excellent alternative to surgical rhinoplasty for clients seeking subtle refinement.

Tear trough treatment uses hyaluronic acid filler to address hollowing and dark circles under the eyes. It's one of the most technically demanding filler treatments due to the delicate anatomy of the under-eye area. Archie uses advanced cannula techniques to minimise bruising and ensure safe, natural-looking results. A thorough assessment is required before this treatment.

This depends entirely on your goals and starting point. Many clients achieve their desired result in a single session. Others prefer a gradual approach over multiple appointments. Archie will discuss a realistic treatment plan during your consultation, including recommended intervals between sessions and maintenance timelines.

Patient safety is the absolute priority at The Aesthetic Scientist™. We follow strict aseptic technique, use sterile single-use equipment for every treatment, conduct thorough medical history assessments, obtain full informed consent, and have emergency protocols and medications in place. Archie is trained in complication recognition and management, including vascular occlusion protocols.

Common side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, and redness at injection sites — these typically resolve within 1-7 days. Rare but serious complications include vascular occlusion (blockage of a blood vessel), which requires immediate treatment. Archie is trained in advanced complication management, uses aspiration techniques, and has hyaluronidase on-site at all times. All risks are discussed in full during your consultation.

Yes — consultations are mandatory for all new clients and are complimentary. During your consultation, Archie will review your medical history, assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, explain the procedure and all associated risks, and create a bespoke treatment plan. You will never be pressured into treatment — the decision is always yours.

Allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid fillers are extremely rare but possible. We conduct thorough medical history checks before every treatment and have emergency medications on-site. If you have known allergies, particularly to lidocaine or gram-positive bacterial proteins, please inform us during consultation. Signs of an allergic reaction are discussed during your pre-treatment consultation.

No. We do not treat clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. While there is limited evidence of harm, the safety of aesthetic injectables during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and we follow a precautionary approach. Please wait until you have finished breastfeeding before booking treatment.

Certain medical conditions and medications may contraindicate treatment, including active skin infections, autoimmune conditions, blood-thinning medications, and some neurological conditions. A full medical history is taken at consultation to assess your suitability. If you have any concerns, please contact us before booking and we can advise whether treatment is appropriate for you.

Yes — hyaluronic acid fillers (which make up the vast majority of dermal fillers used) are fully reversible using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This dissolves the filler quickly and safely. This is one of the key safety advantages of HA fillers over permanent or semi-permanent alternatives. Archie always has hyaluronidase on-site.

When choosing an aesthetic practitioner, look for: relevant medical or aesthetic qualifications, specialist aesthetic indemnity insurance, evidence of ongoing training and CPD, transparent before-and-after results, and a thorough consultation process. Be wary of practitioners who offer treatment without consultation, use unbranded products, or operate from non-clinical environments. Archie meets all of these standards and is happy to discuss his qualifications and experience.

After lip filler, apply the provided ice pack gently to reduce swelling. Avoid touching, pressing, or massaging the treated area for 24 hours. Stay upright for 4 hours post-treatment. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and excessive heat (saunas, hot baths, sunbeds) for 24-48 hours. Sleep on your back if possible for the first night. Full written aftercare instructions are provided at every appointment.

Swelling after lip filler is completely normal and expected. Initial swelling peaks at 24-48 hours and typically subsides significantly within 3-5 days. Full settling of the filler and final results are usually visible at 2 weeks. If you have significant swelling, bruising, or any concerns after treatment, contact us immediately — we are always available for post-treatment support.

We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours after any injectable treatment. Increased heart rate and blood flow can worsen swelling and bruising. Light walking is fine. After 48 hours, you can resume normal exercise. For treatments in particularly sensitive areas (such as tear trough), we may recommend a longer rest period.

Initial results are visible immediately, but the treated area will be swollen and may look different to the final outcome. Final results are typically visible at 2 weeks once all swelling has fully resolved and the filler has integrated with the surrounding tissue. We recommend booking a review appointment at 2-4 weeks if you have any concerns or wish to discuss further treatment.

To minimise bruising and swelling, we recommend avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before treatment, avoiding blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) for 48 hours if medically safe to do so, and avoiding vitamin E supplements for 1 week prior. Arrive with clean skin — no heavy makeup on the treatment area. Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment.

A complimentary review is offered 2-4 weeks after your initial treatment. At this appointment, Archie will assess your results, address any asymmetry, and discuss whether a small top-up is needed. Not all clients require a top-up — it depends on the treatment, the amount of product used, and your individual response. Top-ups are charged separately if additional product is required.

Archie's masterclasses are open to qualified aesthetic practitioners and beauty professionals seeking to elevate their skills. Attendees should hold a relevant qualification (nursing, dentistry, medicine, or an accredited aesthetics qualification) and be actively working in the aesthetics industry. Courses are not suitable for complete beginners with no prior injection experience.

Training at The Aesthetic Scientist™ is anatomy-led and technique-focused. Courses include: in-depth facial anatomy teaching, live model demonstrations by Archie, hands-on practice with models, technique refinement and feedback, safety protocols and complication management, product knowledge, and ongoing post-course mentorship and support. All training is conducted in a clinical environment.

Yes, all attendees receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the course. Our courses are designed to enhance your existing skills and contribute to your CPD (Continuing Professional Development) requirements. Certificates detail the specific techniques covered and the number of CPD hours completed.

We keep group sizes intentionally small — a maximum of 6 participants per course. This ensures every delegate receives personalised attention from Archie, adequate hands-on practice time with models, and the opportunity to ask questions and receive individual feedback. Small group sizes are a core part of our training philosophy.

Yes. The Russian Doll Lips™ Masterclass is one of our most popular training courses, teaching Archie's signature lip technique to qualified practitioners. The course covers the theory behind the technique, product selection, injection mapping, live demonstration, and supervised hands-on practice. Delegates leave with the skills to offer this signature treatment in their own practice.

Yes. Post-course mentorship is included with all training courses. Archie is available to answer questions, review case photos, and provide guidance as you begin implementing new techniques in your practice. We believe ongoing support is essential for safe and confident practice — the learning doesn't stop when the course ends.

Training course dates and availability are listed on the Training page. You can enquire and book through the contact form or by reaching out via social media. Courses fill up quickly due to limited group sizes, so early booking is recommended. A deposit is required to secure your place.

Treatment pricing is available on our booking page and treatments page. Pricing reflects the expertise, premium products, and bespoke approach offered at The Aesthetic Scientist™. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden costs — the price you see is the price you pay. Consultation is always complimentary.

Yes, a deposit is required to secure your appointment. The deposit amount varies by treatment and is deducted from your total treatment cost on the day. Deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred to a new date with a minimum of 48 hours notice. This policy exists to protect appointment availability for all clients.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, bank transfer, cash, Klarna (buy now, pay later), and Clearpay. Payment is required on the day of treatment unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in advance. We do not offer credit or payment plans directly, but Klarna and Clearpay provide flexible payment options.

We require a minimum of 48 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice, or no-shows, will forfeit the deposit. We understand that genuine emergencies happen — please contact us as soon as possible and we will always try to accommodate where we can. Repeated late cancellations may result in full pre-payment being required for future bookings.

Yes! Gift vouchers are available for all treatments. These make a thoughtful and luxurious gift. The recipient will need to complete a consultation before their treatment. Please contact us to arrange a gift voucher and we can advise on the best options for your budget.

Archie's diary is typically booked 2-4 weeks in advance, particularly for popular time slots (evenings and weekends). We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred date and time. If you need an appointment sooner, contact us directly as cancellations do occur and we maintain a waiting list.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you are running late. We will always try to accommodate you, but late arrivals may result in a shortened appointment or rescheduling to protect the time of other clients. Arriving more than 15 minutes late without notice may be treated as a no-show and the deposit forfeited.