A troubling trend has emerged in the world of cosmetic surgery: the increasing number of non-BIG-registered individuals offering filler treatments. A recent article by Pointer discusses how these practices are not only illegal, but also pose serious risks to unsuspecting consumers. Often these treatments are promoted through social media, where a white doctor’s coat is quickly enough to convince people of professionalism. The providers of these illegal treatments, often beauticians, lack the essential medical knowledge and experience, which can lead to serious complications.
Risks of unqualified practitioners
The BIG register (Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg) is a legal, online and public register in the Netherlands. This registry indicates the powers and qualifications of health care providers. When someone has done a doctor’s degree they will be findable in the BIG register and have the authority to do filler treatments. If someone is not on the BIG register, they have no authority to perform treatment independently. This legislation exists to ensure the safety and quality of our health care system. In fact, there is an increased risk of complications after filler treatment if a practitioner does not know what they are doing.
People who inject fillers without having a BIG registration pose a danger to their patients. For example, they lack knowledge of anatomy, know too little about filler products and are groping in the dark when it comes to dealing with complications. Therefore, the results of these illegal treatments is often undesirable, the exaggerated and unnatural results paint a very distorted picture of our field.
How can I be sure my practitioner is good?
First, it is good to do thorough research on your practitioner. If your practitioner is on the BIG register, that’s a good start, but your own responsibility doesn’t end there. Try to find reviews about your practitioner on websites such as clinicervaringen.nl or Google. It is often easier to form a picture of a practitioner based on other people’s experiences, they do not benefit from giving a distorted picture. Also, look carefully at what kind of clinic you are having your filler treatment done at. With us, only BIG-registered doctors do the treatments, to ensure the safety and of our cosmetic procedures. Three of our doctors, in addition to their BIG registration, also have KNMG accreditation. So with us, you can have your filler done without worry anyway.
Most importantly, listen to your gut. Remember that it is about you and not your practitioner. If you are in the treatment chair and it does not feel right, indicate it and do not let the treatment continue. Rather reschedule your treatment than risk regretting it forever!
