The popularity of dermal fillers is on the rise in Australia, and no wonder – these non-surgical enhancements are less invasive and require a shorter recovery time. Not only can dermal fillers help achieve the age-defying results we dream of, but they can also enhance facial contours and reduce the severity of scarring.
All cosmetic procedures, surgical or not, have associated risks and potential side effects which can be heightened by under-qualified practitioners and the use of counterfeit products. Here are some crucial questions you should ask during your consultation with a qualified medical doctor before deciding whether or not to proceed:
1. Who’s performing your procedure?
This should be a qualified and registered medical doctor or a nurse under the supervision of a doctor. All health practitioners registered with the Medical and Nursing Boards of Australia can be found on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website.
2. How much experience do they have in this type of procedure?
While the right training is important, doctors must also have experience and extensive knowledge of facial anatomy. Going ahead with practitioners who lack adequate knowledge and experience can increase the risk of unwanted consequences during the procedure, like blindness or even death.
3. Is the product they use approved by the TGA?
Ask your doctor what substance they use for the procedure you’re considering and what brand it is. You can search for it on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website to ensure that it is an approved prescription product.
Be wary of practitioners pushing product brands or substances. This is generally a hallmark for concern as neither the substance nor its brand can be advertised to the public due to regulations surrounding the advertising of therapeutic goods.
4. Are there any risks or side effects?
As with any procedure, your doctor should discuss any associated risks of the procedure with you. Since it is important to know you will be taken care of post-procedure, especially if you are experiencing any lingering side effects, this leads us to our last question…
5. What level of aftercare will they provide?
Most dermal filler procedures are so low-impact that aftercare is a cinch. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask about the extent of aftercare you can expect to receive after your procedure. By taking proper care of yourself, you will shorten your recovery time and start looking fabulous sooner.
Finally, here are some dos and don’ts to consider:
DO – conduct research before you decide
Undertaking a cosmetic procedure is a serious decision that could affect your health and well-being, so do your research beforehand. This means asking the right questions to ensure you’re making relevant comparisons between clinics and/or doctors.
DON’T – cheap out on the procedure or product
Avoid counterfeit dermal filler products from overseas at all costs. While these can be difficult to identify, a general rule of thumb is to be cautious when offered discounted or heavily recommended dermal filler products or procedures.
