Before Dermal Filler Treatment: 10 Questions Worth Asking

1. What is the specific aim of the proposed treatment?

Ask the practitioner to connect the recommendation to the concern you described. What change are you discussing, and which part of that concern is the treatment intended to address?

Words such as “balance” or “natural” can mean different things to different people. Explain what those words mean to you, and ask what the treatment would not be expected to change.

For an overview of the areas discussed at the clinic, see dermal filler consultations at Mona Aesthetics.

2. Who would carry out my treatment?

Ask about the person providing the procedure: their relevant qualifications, experience with the proposed treatment and insurance. You can also ask how to verify the professional information they provide.

The NHS guidance on choosing a practitioner recommends discussing training, complications and aftercare before making your decision.

3. Why is this product being considered?

Ask for the product's name and an explanation of why it is being proposed for the area you are discussing. Request the patient information so that you can read it and bring back any questions.

You do not need to select a product yourself. The useful question is whether you understand the practitioner's recommendation. The JCCP's patient information on dermal fillers describes different filler materials and the importance of knowing which product is used.

4. What makes this plan appropriate for me?

Ask how your individual assessment has shaped the proposal. If you have had treatment before, make sure that history is part of the conversation.

You can ask what would make the practitioner advise against proceeding. This gives you a chance to understand the boundaries of the plan, including any outstanding information or assessment it depends on.

5. What alternatives should I consider?

Ask about the advantages and limitations of the available options, including having no treatment. If a different approach is suggested, ask how it relates to the same concern.

You can take those options away and consider them. Guidance from the GMC on cosmetic interventions emphasises informed decisions, realistic expectations and time for reflection.

6. What are the risks for this treatment and area?

Ask for a discussion that includes both commonly experienced effects and serious complications. Bruising, swelling and redness can occur; infection and interference with blood supply are also recognised risks. Blood-supply complications can cause tissue injury and, in some cases, sight loss, requiring urgent care. These risks are described in the JCCP's filler information sheet .

Ask which risks are relevant to your proposed treatment and how the practitioner prepares for them. A consultation should not leave you with the impression that an injectable procedure is risk-free.

7. What should I expect afterwards, and whom do I contact?

Ask for written instructions and a clear route for getting help, including outside normal opening hours. Make sure you know which symptoms need prompt attention rather than waiting for a routine review.

You can also discuss how a proposed appointment relates to your work, travel or an important event. Ask the practitioner to explain the uncertainty around recovery rather than relying on another person's experience.

8. How and when would we review the result?

Ask what the review is intended to assess, when it would take place and whether it is included in the quoted fee. If you are unhappy with an aspect of the result, how would you raise that concern?

Ask what happens if the recommendation at review is to make no further change. This helps you understand the follow-up process before agreeing to treatment.

9. What does the total price include?

Request a clear explanation of the consultation, proposed procedure, review arrangements and any possible additional charges. Ask whether a later procedure would be a separate decision and cost.

A written outline can make the plan easier to compare with your budget. You should understand what you are agreeing to before making a payment decision.

10. What if I want the result changed later?

Discuss the limitations of correction before proceeding. Removal or reduction can involve further procedures, with their own risks; some filler materials can be difficult or impossible to remove. The FDA's filler safety information explains these limitations.

Ask what that means for the particular product and plan proposed to you. Avoid treating possible correction as a guarantee that every outcome can be undone.

Turn the answers into a decision

After the consultation, try completing this sentence:

If part of the sentence is still unclear, make that your next question. You do not need to resolve every uncertainty while sitting in the treatment room.

For appointments at the clinic, explore Mona Aesthetics' consultation options in Central Leeds. If your question concerns treatment you have already had, the Correction & Assessment page explains that service.

This checklist supports a consultation. It does not provide an individual treatment recommendation or a complete description of every possible risk.