Before having dermal filler, ask who will inject you and what their medical qualifications are, which product will be used and whether it can be dissolved, how complications such as a blocked blood vessel would be managed, what result is realistic and what aftercare is provided. In the UK, fillers are not prescription-only medicines, so checking the practitioner carefully is especially important.
Why asking questions matters
In the UK, dermal fillers are regulated as devices rather than medicines, and the rules on who can inject them have historically been limited. Treatment is available in a wide range of settings, from medical clinics to beauty salons. Although most treatments go smoothly, complications can be serious, and the difference between a minor problem and a lasting one often comes down to the practitioner’s training and how quickly they act. Filler is only provided to adults aged 18 and over.
About the practitioner
- Are you a registered healthcare professional? a good answer names their profession, such as doctor, dentist or nurse, and a registration number you can check with the GMC, GDC or NMC.
- What training do you have in facial anatomy and filler? look for formal training and regular, ongoing practice rather than a single short course.
- Can you prescribe medication if something goes wrong? complications sometimes need prescription medicines, so ask whether a prescriber is available on site or on call.
- How often do you treat this area? an experienced practitioner can explain their approach and show consented photographs.
About the product
- Which filler will you use? you should be told the product name and that it is a hyaluronic acid filler from a recognised manufacturer, with batch details recorded.
- Can it be dissolved? hyaluronic acid fillers can usually be dissolved with an enzyme; permanent or semi-permanent fillers carry longer-term risks.
- How much filler is likely to be needed? a good answer gives a realistic estimate and explains that a conservative first treatment is often wise.
About safety and complications
- What are the main risks for me? expect a clear discussion of bruising, swelling, lumps, infection, allergic reactions and the rare but serious risk of blocking a blood vessel.
- How would you manage a blocked blood vessel? the practitioner should describe keeping an enzyme to dissolve filler on site and having an emergency protocol.
- Who is the out-of-hours contact? there should be a named contact and a number you can call if you are worried.
About results and aftercare
- What result is realistic for me? an honest answer explains what filler can and cannot do, and when surgery might be more suitable.
- How long will it last? expect a range of months rather than a fixed figure, as it depends on the product, area and individual.
- Is a review appointment included? a follow-up after about two weeks allows the result to be checked once swelling has settled.
Questions about your health
Tell your practitioner about any medication, particularly blood thinners, previous filler or other facial treatments, dental work planned in the coming weeks, cold sores, autoimmune conditions and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as filler is usually postponed in these situations. A good practitioner will ask about these without prompting and may delay treatment if the timing is not right.
Red flags
Be cautious if you are offered treatment without a medical history, pressured to book on the day, offered time-limited discounts, shown no information about the product, or told there are no risks. Treatment at parties, in homes or by practitioners who cannot manage complications should be avoided. Very large volumes at a first visit can also be a concern.
How the consultation works
At CLNQ, which has clinics in Manchester, Knutsford and London, dermal fillers are provided by CLNQ’s non-surgical doctors, not by Mr Nassab. If you are weighing filler against surgery, Mr Nassab, as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, can advise whether a surgical option such as a facelift, or no treatment at all, may be more appropriate. Filler is quoted by the non-surgical team, and a consultation with Mr Nassab costs £150, charged separately. The Manchester dermal fillers page has more on local appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a consultation needed before filler?
Yes. A face-to-face medical assessment is essential to check your suitability, discuss risks and agree a plan.
Who should inject dermal fillers?
A registered healthcare professional with specific training in facial anatomy and in managing complications.
What should happen if filler causes pain or skin colour changes?
Contact your practitioner immediately, as these can be signs of a blocked blood vessel needing urgent treatment.
Is it normal to be offered a review appointment?
Yes. A review after around two weeks is good practice so that the result can be assessed once swelling settles.
Can filler be dissolved if the result is not right?
Most hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme by a trained practitioner, which is an important safety feature to ask about.
