How to Choose the Right Aesthetic Provider

Choosing somebody you can trust your face with is no simple task. The options can be overwhelming, so how do you find the perfect fit with an aesthetic provider?

Start with credentials

The letters behind someone’s name are hard earned, but how much weight should you put on those initials? First, you should consider the laws and regulations that govern your state. In Missouri, the minimum qualification to inject any neuromodulator (Botox) or filler is licensure as a Registered Nurse. Beyond that, because Botox and filler are prescription medications, you must have an evaluation by a licensed prescriber such as a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or Physician.

These regulations mean that estheticians, hair stylists, massage therapists, and medical assistants are NOT legally permitted to inject, nor can they legally obtain prescription medications such as Botox or filler.

If you are unsure about someone’s credentials, just ask! Responsible injectors should be happy to share their educational background and licensure. Further, if someone is unwilling to share their credentials or training then that is a mega red flag!

Those who are not legally able to inject these products are also ineligible for professional liability insurance. You wouldn’t let an uninsured roofer work on your house, so why would you let someone who is uninsured inject your face?!

Recent training

Once you have ensured that a provider meets the minimum legal requirements for licensure, you should inquire about their training. Medical aesthetics is not strictly regulated and there is no “certification” required to begin injecting. Many clients are surprised to find this out! Because of the lack of regulation, clients must do their due diligence to ensure the provider they choose is well trained. A half day course may be sufficient to learn basic Botox technique, but you cannot begin to scratch the surface of aesthetic injecting in such a short time.

Not only should your injector have completed both basic and advanced training courses, it is SO important to ensure their training is up to date! Medical aesthetics is a rapidly evolving industry, and techniques that were taught 1-2 years ago are already outdated in some instances. While it is not mandatory, I believe that injectors should do a hands on training yearly AT MINIMUM. Personally, I do a hands on training quarterly to ensure my skills are current and reflect the latest evidence.

Many injectors share about their recent training on social media, but you can learn a lot by simply asking your injector what type of continuing education they do or when their most recent training class was. The most successful injectors will have a dedication to mastery and constantly seek to improve their skill set.

Plan for safety

Medical aesthetics is a fun and elective specialty, and many clients forget that these are actual medications and that the procedures do carry risks. It is so important to ensure that the injector you choose has a thorough understanding of the products they inject, are transparent about the risks of treatment, and have a specific plan for how to manage any complications. This is of the greatest importance when discussing fillers, as fillers have potential complications which include blindness, stroke, and loss of tissue. A prudent injector will discuss these potential risks and their plans and training with how to manage them. If these risks are not discussed, please ask! If an injector cannot provide a detailed plan as to how they would manage any potential complication, I suggest finding a different provider. Additionally, I recommend asking your injector if they carry the reversal agent for fillers. This is a minimum requirement for safety and you should not allow filler to be injected into you without this reversal medication on site in the facility and in sufficient quantity. While these scary events are rare, a prepared injector is your safety net. If your injector cannot manage the potential complications from a procedure, they have no business doing that procedure in the first place.

Make sure you click

In my opinion, all of the requirements above should be minimums to even consider using an injector. The last step is a little less black-and-white. To find the perfect injector for you, it is important to make sure you click with your provider! You should feel comfortable, welcome, and safe with any provider you choose. Your injector should be transparent, easy to talk to, and listen to your concerns. Additionally, you should look at examples of their work such as before-and-after pictures. This will ensure that you and your injector are on the same page.

If you are looking to have lip filler done and want a subtle and natural look, then picking an injector who specializes in over-the-top glam may not be a great fit. Injectors often share work they are proud of, so take a look at examples of their treatment outcomes to get a better feel for their aesthetic. Many injectors welcome complimentary consults which are a fantastic opportunity to get to know your injector prior to having a service done. 

What should NOT be your deciding factor?

Cost!

I totally understand that aesthetic treatments are expensive and cost is certainly a concern, however choosing a provider solely because they are the least expensive can often backfire. The procedures are very expensive in part because the products themselves are very expensive. Unfortunately, there are providers out there who purchase “knock off” products or products which are not FDA approved for use in this country. 

To be properly insured is a huge expense, and quality training can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars per year. I’m all about good deals, just make sure that you understand your injector’s background to avoid any disappointment.

My pearls of wisdom on cost are:

• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• It costs significantly less to have the work done properly the first time than it does to have poorly done work fixed.

• Don’t bargain shop your face!

Hopefully this blog post has been helpful and can lead you to a safe and satisfying aesthetic experience. As my current clients know, I’m an open book and happy to share my background and philosophies with you! You can also read more about my background and training here. If you are interested in booking a service or consultation with me in my Creve Coeur, MO practice, you can book online here. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me HERE!