Things to consider before undergoing procedures involving dermal fillers

• Prescription-only: Dermal fillers are regulated medical products.
• Medical procedure: Treatment must be performed under the supervision of an authorised prescriber, such as a doctor.
• No public advertising: Specific brands and substances cannot be advertised to consumers—this information should be discussed during your consultation.
• TGA approval matters: Only products approved by the TGA should be used.
• Practitioner expertise is critical: Poor technique or lack of experience can lead to serious complications.

There are questions you can ask during your consultation with a qualified medical doctor which will help you make an educated decision on whether or not to go ahead.

Question 1: Who will perform the procedure?

Make sure the person performing the procedure is either the prescriber or a nurse under a prescriber’s supervision. The national register maintained by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) lists all persons who are registered with the Medical and Nursing Boards of Australia and can be freely searched on the AHPRA website.

Injecting a filler into the wrong area of the face may have serious consequences

Question 2: What is their experience?

Anyone that performs a cosmetic injection must have extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, as well as the required training and experience.

Injecting a filler into the wrong area of the face may have serious consequences, including blindness or even death.

Question 3: What product will be used? Is it approved by the TGA?

Due to legislation and regulations governing the advertising of therapeutic goods, product information such as the brand name and substances cannot be advertised. This information is only available if you ask.

Identifying the name of the product will allow you to search the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) on the TGA website, to make sure we have approved that product for your procedure. The prescriber should know whether the product being used is approved.

 It is important to ensure you will be supported after the procedure if you experience any side effects

Question 4: What are the risks and aftercare?

As with any procedure, there are associated risks that the prescriber should explain to you. But it is also important to make sure you will be supported after the procedure if you experience any side effects.

• Counterfeit products: Some dermal fillers imported from overseas may be fake or unsafe.
• Unqualified providers: Always seek treatment from registered medical professionals.
• Discounted or heavily promoted services: Low prices can be a red flag—ensure you’re comparing quality, not just cost.