How to choose an aesthetics clinic in the UK: questions to ask before you book

Quick answer: to choose an aesthetics clinic in the UK, find out who will treat you and what medical training they have, make sure you get a proper consultation first, ask which products and devices are used, and check what happens if something goes wrong, including out-of-hours support. A good clinic will also tell you honestly when a treatment isn't right for you.

Choosing where to have a treatment can feel overwhelming. Online, people say they're worried about scams and whether a price is fair, unsure whether to go back to an injector after one bad experience, or confused about laser settings they were never told about. One UK poster even asked where they could buy filler to inject themselves.

This guide gives you the questions to ask before you book, the red flags to look out for, and why DIY filler is never safe. It's the same standard we hold ourselves to at NassifMD Medical Spa in MediaCityUK, Manchester.

How we approach every treatment at NassifMD

NassifMD is brought to you by Dr Paul Nassif, the world-renowned facial plastic surgeon and star of TV's Botched, with more than 30 years of experience. His approach is all about natural-looking results, and it shapes how we work in the UK:

• Medically led. Every treatment journey is guided by our experienced team of doctors and aesthetic practitioners, selected personally by Dr Nassif.
• Consultation first. We take time to understand your concerns before recommending anything, and you'll never be pressured to go ahead on the day.
• Tailored to you. The treatment, product, technique and amount are chosen for your face, your skin and the result you want.

Read more about NassifMD and Dr Paul Nassif.

Questions to ask an aesthetics clinic before you book

1. Who will treat me, and what is their medical training?

Ask for the name of the person who will treat you, not just the clinic. Find out whether they're a registered healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse or dentist, how much experience they have with your treatment, and who can prescribe medicines if you need them. A good clinic will be happy to tell you.

2. Will I have a consultation first?

A proper consultation is where you talk through your concerns, your medical history and any previous treatments, and your practitioner assesses you in person. They should explain what each option can realistically achieve, the risks and any limitations specific to you. Some treatments also need a patch test first. Be cautious if you're offered treatment within minutes of walking in.

3. Which products and devices do you use?

Ask which brand of filler or skin booster will be used and whether it can be dissolved if needed. For lasers, ask which device, why it suits your skin type and how settings are chosen for you. We only use reputable brands of filler, and our laser treatments use advanced Sciton technology, including BBL, Halo and Moxi, with settings tailored to your skin.

4. What happens if something goes wrong?

Complications can happen even with expert hands, so what matters is how a clinic deals with them. Ask whether they can dissolve filler, who would see you and how quickly. At NassifMD, filler is dissolved using hyaluronidase, an enzyme prescribed by our doctors, and only by an experienced medical practitioner.

5. What aftercare and out-of-hours support will I get?

You should leave with clear aftercare advice and know exactly who to call. After treatment with us, one of our team contacts you within 24 hours to check how you're getting on, and for many treatments we arrange an in-person review 2 to 4 weeks later. If you're worried outside opening hours, you can contact our out-of-hours concierge team using the details in your aftercare information.

6. Will you tell me if a treatment isn't right for me?

Being told no, or "not yet", is a good sign. We don't believe every concern needs treating, or that there's always one obvious answer. Sometimes the right option is a combination of treatments, a different approach, or simply more time to think.

Is cheap filler or laser a red flag?

A low price doesn't always mean a scam. It's sensible to ask what's included. You're paying for the practitioner's training, genuine products, a clinical setting, a consultation and aftercare. If the price seems far below what other medically led clinics charge, ask which product is being used and who will treat you. Be wary of:

• Pressure to book or pay on the day, or "today only" deals
• No consultation, or no questions about your health
• Vague answers about products, devices or who is treating you
• No clear aftercare or way to contact the clinic afterwards
• Treatment in a non-clinical setting, such as a home or a party

Why you should never inject filler yourself

Filler bought online to inject at home is one of the riskiest things you can do to your face. Blood vessels sit close to where filler is placed, which is why practitioners spend years learning facial anatomy.

• You can't be sure what's in it. Products sold online may be fake, unlicensed or contaminated.
• Infection risk. Without sterile technique and a clean environment, infection can happen.
• Blocked blood vessels. Filler injected into or against a blood vessel can cut off blood supply. This is called a vascular occlusion. Without fast treatment it can damage the skin and, in rare cases, affect eyesight.
• No one to fix it. Dissolving filler needs a prescription enzyme and an experienced medical practitioner.

If cost is the worry, a consultation is a safer first step.

Had a bad experience? Should you go back to your injector?

One disappointing result doesn't always mean a practitioner is unsafe. A good clinic listens, reviews you in person and offers a clear plan. If you felt dismissed, couldn't reach them or are worried about the result, get a second opinion. Our Correctional Clinic helps patients who are unhappy with filler done elsewhere, including lumps, migration, asymmetry or overfilled areas. We assess the previous work, dissolve filler where needed and, once the area has settled, plan any corrective treatment.

If you notice a pale, white or blue-grey patch of skin, or pain that's getting worse after filler, contact the clinic that treated you straight away. If you're ever in doubt, go straight to A&E.

Frequently asked questions

What qualifications should an injector have in the UK?

Look for a registered healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse or dentist, with specific training and experience in the treatment you want. Ask who can prescribe medicines and manage complications if you need them.

What should happen at a consultation?

Your practitioner should ask about your concerns, medical history and previous treatments, assess you in person, explain what each option can realistically achieve and its risks, and give you time to decide without pressure.

Why is cheap filler a risk?

Very low prices can mean unlicensed products, less experienced practitioners, no proper consultation or no aftercare. Always ask which product will be used, who will treat you and what happens if something goes wrong.

Can I buy filler online and inject it myself?

Please don't. Filler bought online may be fake or contaminated, and injecting without medical training can cause infection or block a blood vessel, which can damage skin and, in rare cases, affect eyesight. Dissolving filler needs a prescription enzyme and an experienced medical practitioner.

What if something goes wrong after treatment?

Contact the clinic that treated you straight away. If you notice a pale or blue-grey patch, or pain that keeps getting worse, don't wait. If you're ever in doubt, go straight to A&E.

Can you fix filler done at another clinic?

Yes. Our Correctional Clinic assesses filler done elsewhere, dissolves it with hyaluronidase where that's the right option and, once the area has settled, plans any corrective treatment.

Know what you want to treat? Browse treatments by concern to see the options our team may recommend.

Choose a medically led aesthetics clinic in Manchester

At our MediaCity MedSpa, every treatment starts with a consultation, is tailored to you and comes with clear aftercare. Find out more about NassifMD and Dr Paul Nassif, visit our Correctional Clinic if you've had treatment elsewhere, read how to choose the right aesthetic treatment, or book a consultation. Or call us on 0161 877 8444.