There is a worrying repeated finding from surveys in the aesthetics industry –most people will go the cheapest place they can to get their dermal filler or wrinkle-relaxing injections. “Why go somewhere more expensive?” they ask, “Surely it’s the same in the syringe wherever I go?”
Ok, where do we start to explain the flaws in that argument?
Would you let a newly qualified, inexperienced or inadequately trained hairdresser cut and colour your hair if they were a bit less expensive than your usual hairdresser? Would you let someone who has just passed their driving test take your young children on a 2-hour road trip via the M25 on a rainy day?
Do these examples put things into perspective?
If you paused for thought for even a moment about the above two possibilities, why wouldn’t you also put some more thought into who might be brandishing the needle with a potentially damaging substance inside, ready to inject it into your face?!
Whilst the facts of the first statement are true – the contents of a particular syringe may well be the same in two different clinics – the key is who is injecting, how much experience do they have, what training do they have, and importantly whose leadership do they work under?
The explosion of injectables, such as Botox® and Dermal Fillers has revolutionised the world of plastic surgery, but at the same time, as there is little formalised or recognised training required for their use, it has also led to a huge variation in the background, training and ability of the injector. As there is no proper regulation of the injectables market in the UK, it can be difficult to work out who will look after you properly if things go wrong, complications happen or you are dissatisfied with the results.
So, what are questions you should ask when considering having injectable anti-ageing treatments? Here is a list of some basic questions that will give you a good idea about the confidence you can have in the person or clinic in whose hands you are placing your trust.
- Who will be doing the actual injection?
They should be a doctor or nurse with evidence of experience and training - Under whose clinical guidance or leadership do they work under?
In case there is a problem or complication, anyone injecting should have direct access to a Consultant Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist, and ideally work in conjunction with one - What is the post-injection follow-up policy?
There should normally be a post-procedure follow-up protocol to ensure all is ok and perform any adjustments as required - What is their policy if there is a problem?
The practitioner or clinic should have a plan in place in case of an adverse event, with the appropriate expertise to deal with any problem. - Which brand of injectable do they use?
Ideally a global brand with a long-standing track record of safety and good outcomes should be used
At the end of the day, having any sort of medical or aesthetic procedure carries a degree of risk, even in the best of hands. But there are simple steps that you can take to minimise the risk, and feel confident that if a problem did arise, you would be in the right hands to deal with it, and put it right.
The outcome or result of same syringe in two different injectors’ hands might be totally different – stay safe, do your research, and make sure you go to a reputable clinic for all your medical injectables.