What Should You Ask During a Dermal Filler Consultation?
The consultation is the most important step before a dermal filler treatment. It is the moment to share your goals, understand the proposed plan and make sure you are in safe hands. Arriving with the right questions helps you make an informed decision and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Why a Consultation Matters
A good consultation allows the injector to assess your anatomy, skin quality, medical history and expectations. It is also your opportunity to evaluate the injector, the clinic and the proposed products. A consultation should never feel rushed or pressured.
Questions About the Provider
- What is your professional designation, and are you authorized to inject fillers in this province?
- How long have you been performing filler treatments, and how often?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of your patients?
- Who will perform the treatment and handle follow-up?
In Canada, who may inject dermal fillers depends on the province and the rules of the professional college. You can check a professional’s registration on the college’s website.
Questions About the Product
- Which product will you use, and why is it suited to my area and goal?
- Is it a hyaluronic acid filler that can be dissolved, or a biostimulator?
- Where do you source your products? Clinics should use products from legitimate supply channels, with lot numbers recorded in the patient file.
- Does the product contain lidocaine?
Common ranges in Canada include JUVÉDERM®, RESTYLANE®, BELOTERO®, TEOSYAL®, REVANESSE®, RADIESSE® and SCULPTRA®.
Questions About the Treatment Plan
- What result can I realistically expect?
- How much product will be needed, and will it be done in one or more sessions?
- How long will the result last?
- Are there other treatments that would better suit my goal?
Questions About Preparation
- Should I stop any medications or supplements before the treatment?
- Should I avoid alcohol or certain activities beforehand?
- What if I have a history of cold sores?
See our guide on how to prepare for dermal filler treatments.
Questions About the Procedure Day
- How long will the appointment last?
- Will a numbing cream or anaesthetic be used?
- Will you use a needle or a cannula?
Questions About Aftercare
- What should I avoid after the treatment, and for how long?
- What reactions are normal, and which signs should prompt me to call?
- How can I reach you after hours if there is a problem?
- Is a follow-up appointment included?
Questions About Pricing and Maintenance
- What is the total cost, including any touch-up?
- How often will maintenance treatments be needed?
- What is the clinic’s policy if a correction is required?
Questions If You Are New to Fillers
- Can we start with a conservative amount?
- How will I look in the first days?
- What happens if I do not like the result?
Red Flags to Watch For
- The injector cannot explain their qualifications or the product used.
- The price seems far below market rates.
- No medical history is taken.
- You feel pressured to decide quickly or to treat more areas than planned.
- No plan exists for managing complications or providing follow-up.
Clinics can find all products in our dermal fillers category.
References
Beleznay, K., Carruthers, J. D. A., Humphrey, S., & Carruthers, A. (2015). Avoiding and treating blindness from fillers: A review of the world literature. Dermatologic Surgery, 41(10), 1097–1117. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000000486
Swift, A., & Remington, K. (2011). BeautiPHIcation™: A global approach to facial beauty. Clinical Plastic Surgery, 38(3), 347–377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2011.03.010
De Boulle, K., Heydenrych, I., & Swift, A. (2018). Preventing and managing complications from hyaluronic acid fillers: An expert panel consensus. Dermatologic Surgery, 44(S1), S2–S20. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000001414
