What you should know before getting cosmetic injectables

Who’s behind the needle?

90% of the success of these kinds of non-surgical cosmetic treatments depends on who is doing them. If injections are carried out by people with inadequate training the chances of things going horribly wrong is high. Anything from droopy eyelids, infections, lumpiness, allergic reactions, prolonged swellings and facial asymmetry to disfiguring tissue loss and even blindness. 

• Find out who your practitioner is
• What are their qualifications?
• Where have the trained in aesthetics? Are they continually training, or did they do one course 10 years ago?
• Can they show you their own before and after images?
• Are they regulated by a governing body such as the GDC or GMC?
• Are they a member of an industry association such as Save Face or JCCP?
• Are they operating from a reputable clinic with good cross infection control and sterility? A kitchen, a hair salon, a dining room, someone’s conservatory are not acceptable clinical settings for what is basically a medical procedure. 
• Are they insured?
• What happens if something goes wrong?
• What happens if you’re unhappy? 

Do your research. Do your research. Do your research!

Once you’ve found someone promising, don’t rush. Book an appointment for a consultation first. This gives you the opportunity to discuss your desires and expectations. Your practitioner should always ask you questions about your medical history. They should also give you written information with all the risks and adverse reactions outlined and ask you to sign a consent form once you’ve had time to think the matter through before you return for your actual procedure.

Can you keep an open mind?

It is quite common for clients to come in convinced they need a certain area treated, when in reality, it’s not going to give them the effect they desire. The face needs to be balanced and just pumping up volume in what you think is your problem area won’t necessarily do the trick. Also, if a client wants Bella Hadid’s cheekbones or Angelina’s lips, bringing pics of your favourite celebrities or influencers doesn’t always help. 

Find a photo of yourself where you love the way you look and bring that to your appointment. This gives the practitioner a more realistic point of reference and will allow them to better understand how to enhance your natural features. We see your face in a three-dimensional way that’s entirely different from how you see it. The key to your treatment is to keep your look natural, in proportion, balanced and in harmony.