I had a treatment for fine lines around my eyes with Dr. Sethi at this clinic in May. I am posting this review now only after waiting to see if the effects would wear off, which took a few months.
Based on the clinic’s strong online reputation and awards, I expected a high standard of care. My experience was deeply disappointing and caused lasting effects....
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I had a treatment for fine lines around my eyes with Dr. Sethi at this clinic in May. I am posting this review now only after waiting to see if the effects would wear off, which took a few months.
Based on the clinic’s strong online reputation and awards, I expected a high standard of care. My experience was deeply disappointing and caused lasting effects.
During the consultation, I said I wanted tear trough filler. I was apprehensive of having Botox and expressed a clear concern to Dr. Sethi about muscle weakness and a preference to avoid a "frozen" look. She dismissed this, saying, "it’s just a small amount." No detailed discussion of risks, facial anatomy, or smile dynamics took place.
The treatment I received was Botox under my eyes, known as "jelly roll," which was briefly told to me at the time, and "crow's feet" which she didn’t mention at the time but stated in email correspondence when the complaint was made. This treatment left me with a complete loss of natural expression and gave me a “joker/sinister smile”. After researching I found many people reported this issue from jelly roll Botox and many doctors warning against this treatment. My smile did not reach my eyes—a fundamental aesthetic principle known as preserving the "Duchenne smile." A second opinion from an independent practitioner confirmed I was over-treated for my minimal fine lines, with the areas injected often being contraindicated together due to this exact risk.
The complaint process was revealing. The clinic owner, Dr. Zainab, responded not with an immediate refund or accountability, but by suggesting I return for appointments under her "watchful eye" for "support." After my own research showed how vital the "Duchenne smile" is, I was alarmed to find Dr. Zainab was not familiar with the term when I mentioned it. As a trainer and clinic owner, this was a significant red flag.
Ultimately, after the clinic offered a refund only if I signed a liability waiver, I had to seek a chargeback through my bank, which was successful after I provided evidence including emails and before-and-after photos.
My takeaways for others:
1. A doctor's title or a clinic's awards are not guarantees of skill or ethics.
2. Dismissive responses to patient concerns ("it's just a small amount") are a major warning sign.
3. Beware of clinics that respond to complaints with offers of more treatment instead of taking accountability.
4. Some practitioners prioritise marketing and reputation over genuine patient care and expertise.
My goal is to ensure others can make a more informed decision. This experience has been a lesson in how "hyped" reputations can mask a troubling reality.
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