Injectable treatments like fillers and botulinum toxins are just as risky as surgical procedures. Many people make the mistake of downplaying the risks because injections are nonsurgical procedures that do not require anaesthesia, a hospital setting or incisions.
In the right hands, there are very few complications and almost immediate results. However, in the wrong hands, you may be injected with a substance that is not approved by the TGA or be injected incorrectly resulting in negative results.
Qualities to look for in an Injector
- On-site Physician
- Injector Qualifications
- Full Disclosure of Risks and Benefits
- Facility Accreditation
- Reliable References
- Thoroughness
- Rapport
- Follow-up Care
On-site Physician
Regardless of who is doing the injection, a board-certified physician should be present on-site for the consultation and for any complications that may arise. This physician could be a board-certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, ophthalmic plastic surgeon or a dermatologist
Injector Qualifications
Your injector should be either a board-certified physician, a licensed Registered Nurse, or a Physician’s Assistant that works closely with the supervising physician. He or she should be experienced with injections and can explain the procedure to you easily, answer your questions and follow all the proper protocols including informed consent about the risks and benefits of the injection process.
The RN, PA or physician injecting should have recent continuing medical education (CME) to keep up-to-date on techniques and should be injecting patients on a regular basis (several patients weekly).
Full Disclosure of Risks and Benefits
The easiest way to prevent a complication from an injection is to ensure that your injector is qualified and that you go through your full medical history with your injector. Be sure that you know the brand name of the filler and whether it is TGA-approved prior to your injection.
Ask to see the packaging if it is not obvious and find out what the possible side-effects or risks are involved. Your injector should also be able to instruct you on how to limit these risks and what kind of results you should expect.
Facility Accreditation
Injections can take place in a medical spa or medical office where a physician is on-site. These facilities should have proper licensing for each state’s regulations and be clean and professional a great example of this is MIRA Clinic.
Reliable References
A friend or family member may have referred you, but if not, your injector should be able to show you testimonials from other patients. This could be in the form of written reviews, online reviews or even a video testimonial. Many injectors should be able to show you before and after photos of a similar procedure and the results they achieved.
Determining board-certification of the on-site physician should be a top priority of yours before your injection.
Thoroughness
There is a protocol for every injectable and while each may differ from one another, they should all follow a similar format. Consent forms, medical history, HIPAA and your pre- and post-injection instructions need to be given and filled out.
The injector should be able to clearly tell you what to expect and how to prepare for the injection (whether you need numbing cream or additional medication beforehand). The injection site should be thoroughly cleaned and prepped with post-injection instructions.
Rapport
Like any other doctor or medical professional, it is important that you can communicate clearly and easily with your injector. If you can comfortably openly talk to your injector, there is a greater chance that you will have the results you want and achieve satisfaction with your procedure.
Because most injectables require regular maintenance and injections, the “right” injector for you should not only be qualified, but should put you at ease and make the experience as pleasant as possible.
Follow-up Care
Most injectables are low-risk and take a few days until you can see the full results. Bruising, redness and swelling may occur right afterwards. A good injector is available for questions or concerns after the procedure. In the event that you notice anything unusual, you should contact your injector and schedule a follow-up asap.
Making a regular schedule for your injection appointments is also normal for procedures that require multiple injections at specific intervals.
