HOW TO: Choose a good cosmetic injector

Selecting a cosmetic injector skilled in facial aesthetic assessment and injectable treatments can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to cosmetic enhancements.

There are a few basic guidelines to selecting your cosmetic injector:

• Experienced and highly trained injectors are paramount to your selection — just ask your friends who have gone for cosmetic enhancements and look natural and feel great about their injector. When your injector has a keen eye for aesthetics and detail, these treatments can instantly lift your appearance, effectively reduce the visible signs of aging and correct imbalances in facial symmetry with minimal to no downtime. Even though the vast majority of cosmetic injectable treatments proceed without any complications, it’s important that you feel comfortable that your injector is capable of recognizing and managing an adverse outcome if it were to arise. Be assured that your injector is available for any aftercare, questions or concerns.

• The right injector will perform your treatment with the highest level of safety. During your consultation, your injector should be able to guide you through the injection experience, discussing which botulinum toxins, whether Botox, Dysport or Xeomin, or dermal fillers would best address your particular issue or concern. Consent forms and instructions should also be available.

• Have a good rapport with your injector. You should be able to communicate easily with your injector and talk openly about your expectations, and they should provide you with ample time to ask questions and discuss your concerns and needs. Good rapport and trust in the injector/client relationship are critical for good aesthetic outcomes. Don’t ever feel pressured into treatments you feel uncertain about or that exceed your budget.

They should clearly discuss what to expect, any aftereffects such as swelling, redness and bruising that may occur, and the outcome expected.

• Chase skill, not the best price. Anyone can stick needles into your face, but very few cosmetic injectors can actually do it well with a keen aesthetic eye. It’s not the product or the deal you are really paying for, it is the skill of your injector.