The Do’s and Don’ts of Aesthetic Treatments: What I’ve Learned Over the Years
I’ve always been fascinated by beauty treatments, but for the longest time, aesthetic procedures like dermal fillers felt like something reserved for celebrities or people with ultra-glam lifestyles. That changed when I started noticing subtle enhancements on friends and influencers—nothing extreme, just a little extra plumpness here, a softened line there. It looked so natural and effortless.
Curious but cautious, I wanted to learn more. Could fillers be a way to refresh my look without committing to anything drastic? I didn’t want to dive in blindly, so I spent a lot of time researching—and here’s what I learned.
DO: Research the Practitioner (Not All Are Equal!)
One of the first things I discovered was how important it is to choose the right person to perform your treatment. Shockingly, not all practitioners are medically trained. In my research, I came across horror stories of people experiencing botched results or dangerous complications because they went to someone unqualified.
I found a really insightful breakdown of Why You Should Only See a Doctor for Dermal Fillers that explained exactly why doctors, dermatologists, and trained medical professionals are the safest option. I was honestly shocked to learn how many unqualified people are offering filler treatments—and the risks that come with that.
According to a Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions by the Department of Health UK, they were surprised to discover that non-surgical interventions, which can have major and irreversible adverse impacts on health and wellbeing, are almost entirely unregulated.
If you’re considering fillers, always check the credentials of the person administering them. Are they medically trained? Do they have verified before-and-after photos? What do their reviews say? These questions could make all the difference.
DON’T: Chase Trends Blindly
Social media is filled with beauty trends that come and go—Russian lips, fox eyes, exaggerated cheekbones. While some look amazing on certain people, they don’t work for everyone. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that blindly following trends without considering your own features can lead to regret.
I read about people dissolving their overfilled lips after realising they no longer liked the look. This was a wake-up call. Instead of chasing trends, it’s better to focus on what naturally enhances your features. A good practitioner will guide you towards treatments that complement your face, rather than just replicating a popular look.
DO: Understand the Risks & Side Effects
Before doing any cosmetic procedure, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks. Initially, I thought fillers were pretty straightforward, but then I learned about complications like:
- Migration:
When filler moves from the intended area, creating an uneven or unnatural look.
- Asymmetry:
One side may not settle in the same way as the other, leading to an unbalanced appearance.
- Lumps or Nodules:
Poorly placed fillers or certain types of fillers can create bumps under the skin.
- Vascular Occlusion:
A rare but serious complication where filler accidentally enters a blood vessel, potentially causing tissue damage.
Having a consultation beforehand is so important. A good practitioner will discuss potential side effects, explain the healing process, and help you set realistic expectations. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel about your decision.
For more information on risks and side effects, check out this guide on filler complications.
DON’T: Go for the Cheapest Option
When I first looked at prices for fillers, I was tempted by some of the cheaper options out there. But the more I researched, the more I realised why fillers aren’t something you want to cut corners on.
Cheaper doesn’t mean better—it often means lower-quality products, less experience, and potentially unsafe practices. I read about clinics using counterfeit or low-grade fillers, which can cause serious complications.
Instead of focusing on price alone, look for reputable clinics that use high-quality products and have experienced practitioners. If cost is a concern, some clinics offer payment plans, which is a far safer option than gambling on a cheap treatment.
DO: Start Subtle & Build Gradually
One thing I was sure about from the start—I didn’t want to look drastically different. I wanted a subtle enhancement, not an entirely new face. That’s why I was relieved to learn that you can start with a small amount of filler and gradually build up if needed.
A skilled practitioner will recommend a conservative approach to ensure natural-looking results. Plus, if you ever decide fillers aren’t for you, most hyaluronic acid fillers are dissolvable, which is reassuring if you’re hesitant about taking the plunge.
DON’T: Forget Aftercare Matters
After doing all my research, I realised that getting fillers isn’t just about the treatment itself—what you do afterwards is just as important.
I didn’t realise how much aftercare matters until I read about how swelling and bruising can be worsened by things like aspirin, alcohol, or excessive heat. Here are some key aftercare tips:
- Avoid touching or massaging the treated area unless instructed by your practitioner.
- Stay hydrated to help your skin heal and maintain the results.
- Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications for at least 24 hours to minimise bruising.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling overnight.
- Skip high-intensity workouts, saunas, or hot showers for the first 24-48 hours to prevent increased swelling.
Taking care of your skin and being gentle with your new fillers helps ensure they last longer and settle properly.
Final Thoughts: My Personal Takeaway
Looking back, I’m so glad I took my time to research before making any decisions. Fillers can be a great way to enhance your natural beauty, but they’re not something to rush into or take lightly.
If you’re thinking about getting an aesthetic treatment, my advice is simple: do your research, find a qualified practitioner, and prioritise quality over price. Most importantly, remember that beauty isn’t about trends or perfection—it’s about feeling confident in your own skin.
Whether you choose fillers or not, the best thing you can do for yourself is to make informed, empowered decisions. That’s the real beauty of it all.
