Are you thinking of delving into the world of fillers or anti-wrinkle injections?

Before you do, here are 5 questions you need to ask your practitioner during your initial filler consultation. According to our Dr Eccleston, ‘The most important part of any treatment is the consultation, so use it wisely…’

1. What Qualifications Do You Have?

IDEAL ANSWER: A registered doctor or nurse, with specific aesthetics training

Doctors and nurses have years of medical training, with a deep understanding of facial anatomy. They also have the authority to prescribe prescription medication, which is often required to treat complications. Beauticians may be able to create good results the majority of the time, but they do not have anatomy knowledge to safely inject fillers or other injectables into the skin. Medical professionals are trained to spot complications quickly, before they develop into severe issues.

Any qualified doctor or nurse will make their qualifications clear, if you’re not sure whether your injector is a doctor or nurse, it’s likely they are not. You can search your injectors name on the General Medical Council for doctors, or the Nursing and Midwifery Council for nurses to ensure they are registered with the required healthcare regulatory bodies. 

If you’re unsure how to choose a qualified injector, check out our tips on finding the right aesthetic practitioner for you.

2. Is the Result Permanent?

IDEAL ANSWER: No

Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are the benchmark for temporary fillers. HA is naturally found in the body, so there is a smaller risk of an adverse reaction as long as it is injected correctly, and it can be metabolised and disposed of naturally. With a permanent filler, the only way to get rid of it is to cut it out. HA can be dissolved with an injection of an enzyme called hyaluronidase. It is, therefore, easier to correct any problems, and HA degrades naturally within the body.

To find out more about how long injectable treatments last, such as dermal fillers, read our article: How long do injectable treatments last?

3. What Brands Do You Use?

IDEAL ANSWER: One that has been researched and tested over many years.

There are literally dozens of ‘fillers’ on the market in Europe. In the USA, by comparison, there are perhaps half a dozen approved for use. In fact, recent reports describe the dangers of receiving injectable treatments in non-clinical settings. 

The Metro reported that a 36-year-old mother paid £75 for three so-called “Botox” injections in a salon, and within days she could barely see, struggled to breathe and was rushed to hospital. Doctors later discovered she had been injected with an illegal substance that is not the same as licensed botulinum toxin products used in medical aesthetics.

This is exactly why you should always ask what brands are being used. Always play safe and go with established, tried and tested brands that have been clinically tested, strictly regulated and safely used for many years. If you’re not sure, do your own research after your consultation to determine the quality of the product your injector uses. If your filler treatment is cheap, you should ask yourself why? Top-quality filler is expensive, but you can’t put a price on your safety. Do not buy off the internet and do not self-inject!

4. What Are The Potential Side Effects?

IDEAL ANSWER: Side effects are almost always related to injection technique and product choice.

As all filler procedures involve a needle going into the skin, they all carry some form of risk. You therefore have to trust your practitioner to do it correctly and safely, which is why it’s so important to go to a trained professional. If you are trained to put the product into the correct location, you should be able to correct any complications which may arise. Bruising and minor swelling can be a common reaction for most people but will usually subside within a few days.

To understand the professional standards your practitioner and clinic should meet, see our article on the key accreditations to look for in a medical aesthetic clinic.

5. How Often Do You Do These Procedures?

IDEAL ANSWER: Hundreds of times, over many years.

A highly qualified and experienced aesthetic doctor or nurse has been treating many patients on a daily basis over many years, so they should know a thing or two about your treatment. By going to a qualified aesthetic doctor or nurse you can be reassured that they are constantly refreshing their knowledge, attending conferences and maybe even training future aesthetic practitioners.

A good treatment means that people won’t comment on what you’ve had done or even notice that you’ve had anything done. Only that you looked refreshed and revitalised.

Learn more about why patient safety and clinically led procedures should be your top priority in injectable treatments. 

Red Flags to Look for During Your Consultation

The Same-Day Pressure: 

They push you to have the treatment immediately after the consultation without offering a cooling-off period to think about it.

Package Upselling: 

The practitioner points out flaws you weren’t concerned about to sell you more filler or “bundle” deals.

Lack of Medical History: 

They don’t ask about your allergies, medications (such as blood thinners) or previous surgeries.

Vague About Risks: 

They claim the procedure is “100% safe” or “has no side effects”. Every injectable treatment carries a risk and a professional must disclose it.

Filler Consultations at MediZen

At MediZen, your consultation is never rushed and never treated as a formality. We are a doctor-led aesthetic clinic in Birmingham, CQC registered and Save Face accredited, where patient safety, clinical excellence and natural results always come first.

Dr David Eccleston, Clinical Director of MediZen, was one of the first doctors in the UK to offer cosmetic injectables. He also acted as a lead investigator in clinical trials for the first UK-licensed anti-wrinkle injection brands. His experience and contribution to the industry led him to start his own clinic. All of our injectors are personally trained by Dr Eccleston, ensuring the highest standards of skill, technique and patient care.

We believe the best results come from the best practitioners working with the best products. That is why we only use leading, medically approved brands that are clinically tested, strictly regulated and trusted worldwide. Our clinic undergoes rigorous assessment and regular audits to ensure we consistently meet the highest standards in safety, professionalism and patient outcomes.

Your consultation is your opportunity to feel informed, confident and reassured. By asking the right questions, you protect your health, your results and your safety.

If you’re considering fillers or anti-wrinkle injections, book a consultation with our expert team today. For a deeper understanding of how dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections work, read our complete guide to injectable treatments at MediZen.