Injectables and medical skin treatments can look simple: a short appointment, a fine needle, and you're on your way. But they're medical procedures, and they deserve medical care. At Bloor West Medspa, every treatment is performed by a Nurse Practitioner, and every plan starts with a consultation and careful assessment.
What Nurse Practitioner–led care means
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced education and a broader scope of practice. In Ontario, only nurses in the Extended Class of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) may use the title Nurse Practitioner, NP or RN(EC).
NPs have the authority to diagnose, prescribe medication, perform procedures, and order and interpret diagnostic tests. For you, that means your care is in the hands of a health professional trained to look at the whole picture: your health, your medications and your goals, not just the area you'd like to treat.
You don't have to take our word for it. Anyone can search the CNO's public register, Find a Nurse, to check a nurse's registration. You're welcome to look up Sophie there.
Meet Sophie Gatward, NP
Sophie M. Gatward, MN-NP, BScN, RN(EC), is the founder and clinical director of Bloor West Medspa. She earned her Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner degree at the University of Toronto, with a collaborative specialization in women's health.
Sophie continues to practise at Toronto Western Hospital in internal medicine and clinical research. She also has advanced training in medical aesthetics and certification in aesthetic injectables, so your care draws on both hospital experience and specialized aesthetic training.
Her approach favours personalized plans, subtle enhancement and gradual restoration, with the aim of natural, refreshed results. Read more about Sophie and the clinic, or see how that approach shapes natural-looking results.
Why medical oversight matters
Botulinum toxin is a prescription drug in Canada, and dermal fillers are licensed medical devices. Our trusted products page explains what that means. Many skin treatments, such as PRP and scar treatment, are medical procedures too. Like any medical treatment, they can have side effects and aren't right for everyone.
That's why your consultation includes a medical assessment. Sophie reviews anything that could affect your safety or your results, such as:
- medical conditions, including skin conditions in or near the treatment area
- medications and supplements, including ones that can make bruising more likely
- allergies, and any reactions you've had to past treatments
- pregnancy or breastfeeding, since many treatments are postponed until afterwards
- past cosmetic treatments, including what was used and when, if you know
Before any treatment, you'll give informed consent. You'll hear what the treatment involves, what results are realistic, the possible risks and side effects, and your other options, with time to ask questions.
Medical oversight also means honest advice. That includes hearing “not right now” or “this isn't the right treatment for you” when that's the case.
Safety at every step
Safety isn't one moment in your visit. It's built into each step:
- Consultation and assessment first. Your health history, goals, skin and features are reviewed before anything is planned.
- A clear plan. You'll know what's recommended and why, with pricing confirmed before any treatment begins.
- Informed consent, no pressure. You decide when you're ready, with the information you need.
- Clear aftercare and a follow-up. You'll know how to look after the treated area and what's normal in the days that follow.
- Knowing when to call. You'll know which symptoms need attention, and who to contact.
Our guide to preparing for injectables and aftercare explains the warning signs in more detail. It's worth reading before your appointment.
What to expect at your first visit
Every new client starts with a consultation at our clinic in Toronto's Bloor West Village. Before you come, jot down your medications, supplements and allergies, and think about what you'd like to change.
Depending on your plan, treatment may happen at the same visit or at a separate appointment. Either way, you should never feel rushed. If you're curious about botulinum toxin injections, dermal filler or Sculptra® biostimulation, our guide to your first Botox appointment walks through a typical first visit, and much of it applies to other injectables too.
Your plan is shaped around you, not a template. Our page on personalized treatment plans explains how that works.
Next step: If you'd like care that starts with a medical assessment, book a consultation with Sophie. Bring your questions, and you'll get honest advice about what suits you, and what doesn't.
Frequently asked questions
What does RN(EC) mean after Sophie's name?
RN(EC) stands for Registered Nurse in the Extended Class, the College of Nurses of Ontario's registration class for Nurse Practitioners. The other letters describe her education: MN-NP is a Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner degree, and BScN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Can I check a Nurse Practitioner's registration?
Yes. The College of Nurses of Ontario's public register, Find a Nurse, lets anyone search by name to check a nurse's registration, including whether they're registered as a Nurse Practitioner. It's a good habit before any medical aesthetic treatment.
What should I bring or share at my consultation?
Bring a list of your medications, supplements and allergies. Let Sophie know about any medical conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and past cosmetic treatments, including product names and dates if you have them. Don't stop a prescribed medication before your visit unless your prescriber tells you to.
What happens if a treatment isn't right for me?
Sophie will explain why and talk through your options, which might mean waiting, choosing a different treatment, or checking in with your own health-care provider first. Honest advice matters more than going ahead with a treatment that doesn't suit you.
General information, not medical advice. Every treatment at Bloor West Medspa starts with a consultation and medical assessment with Sophie Gatward, NP, to confirm what is right for you. Individual results vary.