Before You Book Fillers: Nine Questions to Ask First
Dermal fillers are medical procedures, even when they are sold like a beauty treatment. These questions will tell you a lot about the person holding the syringe.
Photo: Pexels
Key takeaways
- Check the practitioner’s medical or nursing registration and their training in facial anatomy.
- Ask exactly which product will be used, and whether it is approved in your country.
- Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved — ask whether the clinic stocks the enzyme to do so.
- A proper consultation, a cooling-off period and written aftercare are signs of a responsible clinic.
Dermal fillers are gels injected under the skin to restore volume or soften folds. The most common type is made from hyaluronic acid. They are among the most popular aesthetic treatments worldwide — and among the most loosely regulated in some countries. Regulators warn of risks ranging from bruising and lumps to rare but serious complications such as blocked blood vessels.1
The good news is that a few questions, asked calmly at the consultation, filter out most of the risk.
The nine questions
- Who will do the treatment, and what is their professional registration? Ask for their name and check it on the relevant medical or nursing register in your country.3
- How much experience do you have with this area of the face? Lips, under-eyes and the nose carry different risks.
- Exactly which product will you use? Ask for the brand name and check that it is approved for that use where you live.1
- Is it a hyaluronic acid filler? These can usually be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed. Non-dissolvable fillers carry longer-lasting risks.
- Do you keep hyaluronidase and an emergency kit on site? A responsible clinic plans for complications.
- What results are realistic for my face? Be wary of anyone who promises a specific celebrity look.
- What are the risks for me specifically? Mention any medication, allergies, autoimmune conditions or upcoming dental work.
- What happens if I am unhappy or have a problem? You should get a clear aftercare plan and a direct contact number.
- Can I take some time to think? You should never feel pressured to book on the day.4
If a price seems too good to be true, ask what is being left out — the product, the training, or the aftercare.
Red flags
Treatment offered at parties or in non-clinical settings, no medical history taken, no written consent, products of unknown origin and heavy discounts for booking immediately are all warning signs.2
After treatment
Some swelling and bruising is normal for a few days. Severe pain, skin turning pale, blue or blotchy, or changes in vision are emergencies — contact your practitioner and seek urgent medical help immediately.1
Sources
- US Food and Drug Administration. Dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers): what to know. fda.gov.
- NHS. Cosmetic procedures: fillers. nhs.uk.
- Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (UK). Choosing a practitioner. jccp.org.uk.
- British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Patient safety advice. baaps.org.uk.