First time injectables: what to ask and what to expect

Injectables is a broad word. It can mean muscle-relaxing injections, dermal fillers (gel-like products placed under the skin) or other products given by needle. They are different treatments with different risks. This page helps a first-timer slow down and ask the right things.

It is general information, and a licensed professional must assess you. We do not suggest any treatment.

What is the decision rule?

First time? Treat the first visit as an interview. You are interviewing the clinic. Do not agree to a treatment on the day unless you have read the consent form, seen the product and know who will inject.

What should I know about the types?

Our page on muscle-relaxing injections or fillers explains the difference in plain words. For fillers in general, see dermal fillers: what to ask. The NHS has a page on dermal fillers too, and says products and rules vary, so check carefully who you use.

Questions to ask your clinic

Questions to ask your clinic

1. Who will assess me, and who will inject? Are they licensed for it?
2. What product will be used? Can I see the box and its label?
3. Where does it come from, and is it approved for use where I live?
4. What are the risks and side effects, in general terms?
5. What do you do if something goes wrong, and who is on call?
6. How long does the effect typically last, and what affects that?
7. Is there a cooling-off period, or a trial of a small amount?
8. What is the full cost, including review visits?
9. What do I need to do before and after, and for how long?

Ruling: questions 1 and 2 decide the booking. Without a licensed injector and a product you can see, stop.

What to expect

• Before: consultation, health questions, a talk about goals and limits, consent. Ask for time to think.
• At the visit: your skin is cleaned, and the product is given by needle at planned points. Numbing may be offered. Ask what is used.
• After: typically some redness, swelling or marks. Your clinic should give you written aftercare and a number to call.

Seek urgent medical help for severe pain, skin that turns pale, white or dusky, vision changes, or trouble breathing after an injection.

Red flags

• Treatment is offered at a party, a pop-up or a home visit with no assessment
• The injector is not named or licensed
• You cannot see the product or its packaging
• The price is far below others with no explanation
• You are rushed or offered a deposit deal ending today
• Risks are described as none

Our page on who should be injecting you goes deeper on that point.

What about the cost?

Costs vary with the product, the amount and the practitioner. Compare what is included. See how to read a treatment quote. A lower total is not a better deal if the injector or product is unclear.

Common mistakes

• Booking from social media photos alone
• Not telling the injector about medicines or health conditions
• Treating before an event with no time to see how your skin reacts
• Not asking what the product is
• Not keeping a record of what was injected

Where does the answer change?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an infection or skin problem in the area, or take some medicines, ask your doctor before any injectable. See fillers and pregnancy.