Source: Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Anwar El Homsy, Michelle Nixon, and Dr. Xenephin Ludick,
Leading Global Aesthetics Firm Launches Ethical, Science-Backed Practice Standards in Nigeria
In a major move to elevate the safety and standards of cosmetic medicine in Nigeria, Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, has launched a comprehensive training programme for Nigerian doctors and aesthetic practitioners. The initiative aims to eliminate unsafe injection practices and promote globally-aligned safety protocols.
This comes alongside the company’s official market entry into Nigeria via Pharaon Healthcare Nigeria Limited (PHA)—marking the first time Allergan’s products are being distributed through a fully NAFDAC-approved channel.
Focus on Training, Not Just Product Sales
At the heart of this launch is a commitment to education, ethical practices, and patient safety. Training is being delivered by experts from the Allergan Medical Institute (AMI), covering:
- Facial anatomy
- Injection techniques
- Complication management
- Patient consultation and aftercare
Dr. Xenophin Ludick, an internationally renowned AMI trainer from South Africa, emphasized that “safety must always trump profit”:
“This industry is sensitive. One fake product or botched injection can destroy public trust. We’re here to raise the bar for everyone.”
Combatting Unsafe Imports and Misinformation
Allergan Aesthetics’ leadership team also addressed the risks of parallel imports, improper cold-chain handling, and unverified injectors.
Michelle Nixon, Head of Marketing and a molecular geneticist, warned:
“Neurotoxins and fillers are medicines. They must be handled with scientific precision and administered only by trained professionals.”
She urged Nigerian patients to ask their providers:
Are you trained to use it?
Where did this product come from?
Was it sourced through PHA?
Partnership with NAFDAC and Cold-Chain Compliance
Anwar El Homsy, Regional Sales Manager at PHA, commended NAFDAC for its regulatory diligence, noting that Allergan underwent:
- Climatic stability testing
- Quality assurance inspections
- Cold-chain infrastructure reviews
“We didn’t rush in to sell. We built a safe, sustainable system for ethical aesthetic care in Nigeria,” El Homsy said.
Changing the Narrative Around Aesthetics in Nigeria
The company’s entry aligns with shifting global aesthetic trends—from vanity to confidence, natural results, and self-care. As the Nigerian aesthetic market grows, stakeholders say structure, education, and regulation are more urgent than ever.
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