What to Look Out For Before Booking Your Next Treatment - Avoiding scams and look for these red flag

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The aesthetics industry has grown exponentially in the last decade, with treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, facials, and laser therapies becoming increasingly accessible. However, this rise in popularity has also led to an influx of unqualified practitioners and unethical practices. (Read more here) To ensure you’re putting your face and skin in safe hands, here are 9 things to look out for when choosing an aesthetician—and how to avoid scams and red flags.

1. Check Their Qualifications and Certifications

In the UK, Europe, and the USA, the qualifications required for administering cosmetic treatments vary widely. Here’s what you should look for (more in footnotes*):

• UK: Ensure your practitioner is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) or Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Ideally, they should be trained in aesthetic medicine, such as through programs accredited by the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM).

• Europe: Each country has its own regulations, but medical degrees or certifications from recognised institutions are non-negotiable.

• USA: Look for board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists, or licensed medical professionals listed on websites like the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS).

  
  

Real-Life Example:

A client in London received Botox from an unregistered practitioner operating out of their living room. The result? Severe facial asymmetry that required extensive correction by a licensed dermatologist.

2. Beware of Suspiciously Low Prices

While everyone loves a bargain, cheap aesthetic treatments often come at a high cost. Low prices can indicate:

• Use of counterfeit or diluted products.

• A practitioner cutting corners on hygiene or training.

• Treatments performed in unsafe environments, like someone’s home.

Real-Life Example:

In 2019, a woman in California experienced a horrifying outcome after attending a so-called "Botox party," a social gathering where cosmetic treatments like Botox and fillers are administered in a casual setting. At this event, unregulated dermal fillers were injected into her lips by an unlicensed practitioner, who had no formal medical training. Within hours, her lips swelled grotesquely, turning unnaturally dark, almost black—a sign of tissue necrosis caused by vascular occlusion**.

3. Inspect the Clinic’s Hygiene and Professionalism

Always visit the clinic before booking your treatment. Look out for:

• Clean, well-maintained facilities with proper medical equipment.

• Practitioners wearing gloves and using sterilised tools.

• Visible licenses or certificates displayed in the clinic. (Search for the validity of those licences)

Red Flag:

If a practitioner is offering treatments in non-clinical settings like salons, private homes, or hotels, proceed with extreme caution.

4. Ask About the Products They Use

Ask the practitioner about the brands and types of products they’ll be using. Legitimate practitioners will have no problem showing you the packaging or explaining the source of their materials. Ensure products are FDA-approved (USA) or CE-marked (EU).

Red Flag:

If they hesitate to disclose details or offer vague explanations, walk away.

Real-Life Example:

A client in Paris had dermal fillers injected by an unlicensed aesthetician who claimed the product was “imported from Asia.” The client later learned the fillers were industrial silicone, causing chronic pain and permanent disfigurement.

5. Check Reviews and Testimonials

Search online for reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Trustpilot. Look for:

• Consistent positive reviews mentioning the practitioner’s professionalism and skill.

• Photos of real clients (not stock images).

• Evidence that the practitioner addresses any complaints or issues openly.

  
  

Red Flag:

Be wary of clinics with overly glowing reviews that sound generic or suspiciously fake.

6. Ensure There’s a Consultation Process

A trustworthy aesthetician will always schedule a consultation before any treatment. During this time, they should:

• Discuss your medical history and any contraindications.

• Explain the procedure, risks, and expected results clearly.

• Set realistic expectations for what the treatment can achieve.

  
  

Red Flag:

If a practitioner pressures you into booking immediately or skips the consultation, this indicates a lack of professionalism.

7. Look for Post-Treatment Support

Reputable clinics offer aftercare instructions and follow-up consultations to monitor your progress. Make sure they provide a clear point of contact if you experience any complications.

Real-Life Example:

A woman in Berlin received a chemical peel without aftercare advice, leading to severe burns and hyperpigmentation. The clinic refused to take responsibility or offer corrective treatment.

8. Avoid Social Media Trends and Fads

Many botched cases occur when clients seek trendy procedures without proper vetting. While social media influencers can be great for discovering treatments, do your own research to ensure the procedure is safe and performed by a licensed professional.

Real-Life Example:

The “Fox Eye” thread lift became popular on TikTok, but many clients experienced scarring and nerve damage after going to unqualified practitioners offering cheap treatments.

9. Red Flags That Scream SCAM

Here’s a checklist of major red flags:

• No clear credentials or licenses.

• “Too good to be true” deals.

• High-pressure sales tactics.

• Lack of transparency about products and risks.

• Treatments performed in non-clinical environments.

• No consent forms or documentation provided.

Final Thoughts

Your health and safety should never be compromised to save money or chase a trend. Take the time to thoroughly vet any aesthetician or clinic you’re considering. Look for qualifications, genuine reviews, and professionalism.

Remember, it’s easier—and far less expensive—to avoid a botched procedure than to fix one.

If you have had a bad experience or suspect malpractice, report the practitioner to the relevant regulatory body in your country, such as the GMC (UK), ABCS (USA), or local health authorities in Europe. Your skin deserves nothing but the best!

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Footnotes:

**Vascular occlusion is a blockage in your blood vessels. This condition is a rare but serious side effect of getting dermal fillers or lip fillers. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to the best prognosis to remove the blockage from your blood vessels and improve blood flow.

*Country-Specific Aesthetic Regulators

United Kingdom

• General Medical Council (GMC): Regulates medical doctors offering aesthetic treatments.

• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC): Governs nurses performing non-surgical aesthetic procedures.

• Save Face: A voluntary register for licensed practitioners and clinics providing non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

France

• Conseil National de l’Ordre des Médecins (CNOM): Governs all licensed medical practitioners, including those offering aesthetics.

• Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santé (ANSM): Ensures the safety of medications and medical devices, including dermal fillers and lasers.

Germany

• Ärztekammer (Medical Chambers): Regional medical boards regulate aesthetic practitioners and procedures.

• Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM): Monitors the safety of products like Botox and fillers.

Italy

• Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri (FNOMCeO): Regulates medical professionals performing aesthetic procedures.

• Italian Ministry of Health: Monitors the safety of aesthetic products and devices.

Spain

• Colegio Oficial de Médicos: The official medical councils in each region oversee aesthetic practitioners.

• Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS): Regulates the safety and efficacy of cosmetic treatments and medical devices.

Netherlands

• Nederlandse Vereniging Cosmetische Geneeskunde (NVCG): A professional association for cosmetic physicians specializing in non-surgical treatments.

• Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd (IGJ): Oversees healthcare standards, including aesthetics.

Belgium

• Fédération des Médecins Spécialistes en Chirurgie Plastique, Reconstructrice et Esthétique: Governs aesthetic plastic surgeons.

• Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP): Ensures the safety of Botox, fillers, and other aesthetic products.

Sweden

• Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket): Regulates medical devices and injectable products.

• Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen): Licenses medical practitioners, including those offering aesthetic services.

3. Pan-European Initiatives

• European Society of Aesthetic Medicine (ESAM): Promotes standards and education across Europe for aesthetic practitioners.

• European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS): Includes a section for aesthetic plastic surgery and related disciplines, fostering consistent quality across member states.

How to Verify a Practitioner in the EU

• Check if they are registered with the national medical board or health authority.

• Verify their membership in aesthetic-specific professional associations.

• Ensure their clinic complies with local health and safety regulations.

These regulatory bodies ensure practitioners meet rigorous standards and protect patients from unsafe practices. Always confirm a practitioner’s credentials with their national regulatory body before proceeding with treatments.