Safety
How to choose a safe practitioner
In brief
You recognise a safe practitioner for injectables by four things: a BIG number you can verify, a medical intake and record, honest fixed prices without pressure to buy, and a consultation that feels like a conversation, in which not treating is also a possible outcome. If one of these four is missing, choose someone else. This applies everywhere, including to us.
1. Check the BIG number, always
In the Netherlands, injectables may only be administered by, or under the responsibility of, a doctor on the BIG register. That register is public: search for your practitioner's name on its website. A good practitioner mentions the number unprompted, on the website and on the badge. If you have to go looking for it, or get an evasive answer, that is your answer.
2. Ask about the intake and the record
A medical treatment without a medical intake does not exist. Beforehand, your health, medication and previous treatments should be discussed. During the treatment, the product, batch number and treated areas are recorded. That record is not bureaucracy: it is what the next doctor needs in order to help you safely one day, and what makes the difference if a complication arises.
3. Notice how price is discussed
Honest practitioners quote fixed prices and explain what is included, such as a check-up appointment. Be alert to starting-from prices that turn out higher once you are in the chair, and to discount offers with time pressure. Last chance and this week only belong to a clearance sale, not to a medical decision about your face.
4. Sense whether the consultation is a conversation
A good consultation feels like a conversation, not a sales pitch. There is room for doubt, your questions are answered in plain language, and the advice may also be to do nothing for now. Anyone who wants to help you with a needle within ten minutes is in a hurry. Haste and care do not go together.
Five signals to walk away from
- No BIG number to be found, or evasive answers when you ask about it.
- No intake beforehand; you can simply be treated straight away.
- Discount offers with time pressure, or package deals for several areas at once.
- Cash payment without an invoice.
- Products without packaging or a batch number, or packaging that is already open.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a BIG number?
The BIG register is public and free to search. Look up your practitioner by name on the register's website and check that the registration is current.
Is a low price always a bad sign?
Not by itself, but ask what is included. If a check-up and any touch-up are not included, a low headline price can still turn out expensive.
May a beautician administer injectables?
No. Injecting is a reserved medical act that may only be carried out by, or under the responsibility of, an authorised and competent professional.
Written by Dr Emma van Dijk, doctor at Calla Medical. This article is general information and does not replace personal medical advice; please discuss your own situation during a consultation.
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