As aesthetic procedures grow in popularity, so do the number of aesthetic providers. With new places and providers popping up in your area, how do you know where to go? Who to trust?

When looking for a reputable provider, make sure to do your homework and consider the following:

1. Training, Skills, and Education:

Medical aesthetics does not come without risks and safety is a priority. In California, only certified medical professionals can perform treatments (this includes RN, NP, PA, MD, DO, and DDS). If you see a practitioner without these qualifications performing treatments, they are doing so illegally.

Ask your potential injector about their training and previous experience. They should have extensive knowledge of anatomy, placement depth, danger zones, and how to manage complications. Ask them about their experience in both observing and administering treatments and how many patients they have treated. Ask about any certificates they have and if they have malpractice insurance.

Do not be afraid to ask – experienced providers are happy to share and discuss. If your provider does not have these qualifications, look elsewhere.

2. Communication and Trust:

You want to feel comfortable and confident throughout your aesthetic journey. You want to find someone who can communicate clearly and provide clarity and transparency.  

I suggest starting with an in-person consultation to see if you are both a fit for each other. Consider the following during your consultation:

• Can your aesthetic provider effectively explain treatments and potential side effects in a way you can understand? Do you feel like you can ask questions and be heard?

• Do they have the natural aesthetic you're looking to achieve? Is your practitioner overfilled or overdone?

• Can your practitioner tell you no? You want to have trust in your provider so when they say no it is for good reason. Your well-being is our priority so treatments that are not in your best interests will not be recommended.

3. Before & After Images:

During your consultation, ask to see before and after images of the treatments they are recommending. Do you like the results that you see? Are they in line with what you want done for yourself?

4. Price:

Now, we all love a good bargain but don’t let cost be the only determining factor when choosing your aesthetic provider.

What is their pricing? Is it in line with other local aesthetic businesses? Is it markedly discounted?

If you come across a heavily discounted service, you may want to think twice. Popular idioms like “You get what you pay for”, “buy cheap, buy it twice”, or “if it sounds too good to be true” may cross your mind AFTER you receive an undesirable result. Don’t make the mistake of having to reverse poorly placed products.

Reputable aesthetic providers charge based on their training, experience, education, and outcomes.

5. Reviews:

Look for commonalities in reviews but understand that they are not everything. Are most of the reviews positive or negative? What is the quality of the reviews? What are people saying about their experiences?