Your injector’s Instagram is not enough — red flags and green flags that actually matter
Ok so I’ve been seeing SO many people choosing their injectors based on pretty Instagram feeds and honestly after my own nightmare experience I need to vent and maybe help someone avoid what I went through.
I picked this medspa for lip filler last year because their before/afters looked amazing. The place was gorgeous, the vibes were immaculate, the injector had like 40k followers. Red flag I missed: she was a nurse injector but when I asked about her training she was super vague. Just said she’d done “tons of courses.” I didn’t push it because I felt awkward.
Ended up with lumps that took MONTHS to dissolve. When I went back concerned, she basically brushed me off and said it was normal swelling (it wasn’t, my derm confirmed).
What I learned: Ask about SPECIFIC training and certification. Ask how they handle complications. Ask if there’s a doctor on site or supervising. Check reviews on multiple platforms not just the comments on their IG that they probably filter. Ask what products they use and research those separately.
Green flags that I look for now: they spend time in consultation, they talk about what WON’T work for you not just upselling, they have a clear complications protocol, and honestly if they seem annoyed by your questions that’s a HUGE red flag right there.
Anyone else have red flags they watch for?
THIS. I would add another green flag – when they turn you down for something. My current injector (who I love) literally refused to do what I asked for the first appointment because she said it wouldn’t look natural with my face shape. I was annoyed at first but then realized that’s actually the sign of someone who cares about results over just taking your money. She suggested something different and I’m so glad I listened.
Also agree on the complications thing. I straight up ask now “what happens if I don’t like it or something goes wrong” and if they act like that never happens… run. Good injectors know stuff can go wrong and have a plan.
The supervision thing is huge and not enough people ask about it. In my state nurse injectors are supposed to have physician oversight but the rules about what that means are pretty loose. Some places the doctor is literally never there. I always ask if the physician is on site during procedures and how often they review cases. My injector works directly with a plastic surgeon who reviews every treatment plan and is in the office during all injection days. That gave me a lot more confidence tbh. Also seconding what BeautyAndBrains said – my guy has definitely told me no before and explained why certain trends wouldn’t work for men’s faces. That’s when I knew he was legit.