A recent article by Pointer discusses how these practices are not only illegal but also carry serious risks for unsuspecting consumers. These treatments are often promoted via 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 (Professions in Individual Healthcare) is a statutory, online, and public register in the Netherlands. This register indicates which powers and qualifications healthcare providers possess. If someone has completed medical training, they will be traceable in the BIG Register and are authorized to perform filler treatments. If someone is not listed in the BIG Register, they are not authorized to perform the treatment independently. This legislation exists to guarantee the safety and quality of our healthcare. There is indeed an increased risk of complications after a filler treatment if a practitioner does not know what he/she is doing.
People who inject fillers without BIG registration pose a danger to their patients. For example, they have insufficient knowledge of anatomy, know too little about filler products, and are left in the dark when it comes to managing complications. The results of these illegal treatments are therefore 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 and foremost, it's wise to thoroughly research your practitioner. If your practitioner is in 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 kliniekervaringen.nl or Google. It's often easier to form an impression of a practitioner based on other people's experiences, as they have no interest in giving a distorted picture. Also, carefully consider what type of clinic you choose for your filler treatment. At our clinic, only BIG-registered doctors perform the treatments to ensure the safety of our cosmetic procedures. Three of our doctors also have KNMG recognition in addition to their BIG registration. So, with us, you can definitely have your filler done without any worries.
The most important thing is to listen to your gut feeling. Don't forget that it's about you, not your practitioner. If you're in the treatment chair and it doesn't feel right, speak up and don't let the treatment proceed. It's better to reschedule your treatment than to risk regretting it forever!
