The London Road Clinic, Newark
Common questions, straight answers.
Everything patients ask us before booking, grouped by topic. If something is not covered here, message us on WhatsApp and we will answer directly.
Trust and safety
Regulation, qualifications and the prescribing process.
Who is treating you, what they are registered for, and why the face-to-face consultation requirement is non-negotiable.
Is London Road Clinic a regulated aesthetic clinic? What does that mean in practice?
Yes. Every clinician at The London Road Clinic holds active registration with a UK statutory regulator: Lydia Griffin is JCCP-registered (No. 002569), Dr Shahe Boghossian is GMC-registered (No. 5204600), and Melanie Van Wellen is NMC-registered (PIN 13E2603E). In practice, this means each practitioner is accountable to an independent professional body, must meet ongoing revalidation requirements, and can be independently verified by any patient. You can check registrations directly at jccp.org.uk, gmc-uk.org and nmc.org.uk.
What qualifications does Lydia Griffin hold and is she JCCP-registered?
Lydia is the Clinic Director and founder of The London Road Clinic. She is JCCP-registered (No. 002569), having trained under Dr Zein Obagi in Los Angeles. The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners maintains a public register of practitioners who meet its clinical standards. You can verify Lydia's registration at jccp.org.uk. She leads every treatment plan personally and is present throughout clinical operations at the clinic.
Who are the medically qualified practitioners at London Road Clinic and what do their registrations mean?
Dr Shahe Boghossian is GMC-registered (No. 5204600), a vascular and aesthetic surgeon who oversees all prescribing, clinical governance and advanced injectable procedures at the clinic. Melanie Van Wellen is NMC-registered (PIN 13E2603E), a nurse with a Masters in Nursing Science and over 12 years of clinical experience. NMC registration means Mel is held to the same professional standards and revalidation requirements as NHS nurses, with ongoing accountability to the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Both work under full medical oversight for every injectable treatment delivered at the clinic.
Why do injectable treatments at London Road Clinic require a face-to-face medical consultation?
Because prescription-only medicines, including the products used in wrinkle-relaxing treatments, cannot legally be prescribed without a face-to-face assessment by a qualified prescriber. This is not a clinic policy choice. It is a requirement under current GMC, NMC, GPhC and GDC guidance. The consultation also gives our prescribing clinician the opportunity to review your health history, assess your anatomy, discuss realistic outcomes and confirm that the treatment is appropriate for you. There are no exceptions to this process at London Road Clinic.
What is the legal prescribing process for aesthetic injectables in the UK?
Since April 2024, UK regulations have required that prescription-only aesthetic treatments, including wrinkle-relaxing injections and certain other injectables, are prescribed only by a registered healthcare professional following a face-to-face consultation. At London Road Clinic, this means an in-person appointment with our prescribing clinician before any injectable treatment proceeds. This protects you from practitioners who previously offered injectables without clinical oversight, a practice that caused a significant number of recorded complications across the industry.
Treatments
Comparisons and what to expect.
The differences between treatments patients commonly ask us to compare, and realistic guidance on how long results last.
What is the difference between anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers?
Anti-wrinkle injections use a prescription-only medicine to temporarily reduce muscle activity, softening lines caused by repeated facial movement, such as forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet. Dermal fillers are gel-based substances injected to restore volume, define contours or address areas where tissue has thinned over time. The two treatments work on different causes of facial change and are often used alongside each other for complementary results. Neither is suitable without a face-to-face medical consultation first.
Profhilo or dermal filler: which is right for me?
They work differently and are not directly interchangeable. Profhilo is an injectable skin booster designed to improve hydration, firmness and overall skin quality across the face and neck. It does not add volume or change facial contour. Dermal filler adds structure, definition or volume in specific areas, such as the cheeks, jawline or lips. Some patients benefit from both, often sequenced over time. Suitability depends on your anatomy, skin condition and goals, which is why both require a consultation before any treatment plan is confirmed.
Microneedling or chemical peel for acne scarring: which works better?
It depends on the type and depth of scarring. SkinPen microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the skin's own collagen response, making it effective for rolling and boxcar scars. Glo chemical peels increase cell turnover and can improve superficial textural scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation. For moderate to deeper scarring, Fractora radiofrequency microneedling can reach further into the dermis than standard needling. Most patients with established acne scarring benefit from a combined approach planned over several months. Lydia or one of the clinical team will assess your specific scar pattern at consultation before recommending a sequence.
What is the difference between LipoContrast and EmTone?
LipoContrast uses alternating cycles of controlled cooling and warming to target subcutaneous fat cells in localised areas such as the abdomen, flanks and inner thighs. EmTone combines radiofrequency energy with mechanical stimulation to target the structural causes of cellulite and improve skin firmness. The two treatments address different underlying concerns and can be used together as part of a combined body programme, depending on clinical assessment.
How long do anti-wrinkle injections last and when will I need a top-up?
Results typically last between two and four months, depending on the area treated, the dose used and individual factors including how quickly you metabolise the product. First-time patients often notice results beginning to fade closer to the two-month mark. Over successive treatments, results can extend slightly as the muscles adapt. Your prescribing clinician will discuss expected duration at your consultation and help you plan a maintenance schedule suited to your goals.
Results
Sessions, timelines and honest expectations.
How many sessions different treatments typically require and what the clinical evidence says about outcomes.
How many sessions of SkinPen microneedling will I need to see results?
Most patients see visible improvement in skin texture after three sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. Published clinical data found a 90% improvement rate in acne scar appearance following three SkinPen treatments. More established scarring or significant laxity may require additional sessions. A single session will produce some collagen stimulation, but sustained improvement generally requires a course. Your clinician will give a realistic estimate at consultation based on your skin and your goals.
Is one Hydra-Facial session enough or do I need a course?
A single Hydra-Facial produces a noticeable immediate result in terms of hydration, brightness and texture, and many patients book one session before an event for exactly this reason. For sustained improvement in specific concerns such as congestion, uneven pigmentation or early lines, a course of three to six sessions is more effective, typically spaced two to four weeks apart. Your clinician will advise on whether a one-off or course approach is appropriate for your skin during your initial appointment.
Will body contouring treatments help me lose weight?
Body contouring treatments are designed to shape, firm and define specific areas. They are not a substitute for weight loss or healthy lifestyle changes, and we are straightforward about this with every patient. Treatments like LipoContrast, EmTone and InShape Plus work most effectively when body weight is broadly stable. Your clinician will give you an honest assessment of realistic outcomes during consultation.
Practical
Location, booking and finance.
Where we are, who travels to see us, how to book and how to spread the cost of treatment.
Where is London Road Clinic and is there parking?
The clinic is at 65 London Road, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1RZ. We have ample private parking at the front of the building, complemented by free on-street parking directly outside on London Road. Newark town centre is a short walk away if you want to combine your visit with some shopping. Newark Castle rail station is approximately ten minutes on foot, and Newark Northgate has direct links to London in just over an hour.
Do you see patients from Nottingham, Lincoln or Grantham?
Yes. A significant proportion of our patients travel from Nottingham, Lincoln, Grantham, Sleaford, Retford and the wider area. Newark sits close to the A1 and has direct rail connections, making it accessible from across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Patients who travel to us typically come for the level of clinical oversight and the range of equipment available in one location.
Do you offer 0% finance or payment plans?
Yes. We partner with Plim to offer 0% interest-free payment plans on eligible treatments. Plans are available over 11 or 33 months. You can apply online before your appointment or at the clinic, with instant decisions. Eligibility is subject to credit approval and applicants must be UK residents aged 18 or over. Full terms are available at plim.co.uk.
How do I book a consultation at London Road Clinic?
You can book online through Fresha, or send a message via WhatsApp and a member of the team will confirm your appointment. First-time patients are seen for an initial consultation before any treatment is booked, giving your clinician time to assess your concerns, review your history and explain the options that are most likely to help.
Can I have a skin consultation before committing to any treatment?
Yes, and we encourage it. A standalone consultation with Lydia or one of the clinical team carries no obligation to proceed with any treatment. Your clinician will assess your skin using the Observ 520 imaging system where appropriate, discuss your concerns and goals, and outline the options that are genuinely likely to help. You will leave with a clear picture of what is realistic for your skin.
Do you treat men, and do you see patients outside standard working hours?
Yes on both counts. We treat adults of all genders, with a growing number of male patients seeking treatments for skin quality, hair restoration and body contouring. The clinic operates across a range of appointment times including some evening and Saturday slots. Current availability is shown when you book online through Fresha.
65 London Road, Newark
Still have a question? Ask us directly.
Message us on WhatsApp or book a consultation and your clinician will answer everything before any treatment is agreed.
Following an in-person consultation with our prescribing clinician, in line with current GMC, NMC, GPhC and GDC guidance.
Reviewed by Lydia Griffin, Clinic Director, JCCP No. 002569 . Last updated 26 May 2026.
