09/06/2026
When choosing an injector, don't just ask what treatment they offer… ask what happens if something goes wrong.
Every injectable procedure, no matter how experienced the practitioner or how carefully it is performed, carries a small risk of complications. One of the rarest but most serious is vascular occlusion, where blood flow to the skin is compromised.
As healthcare professionals, we don't just train to perform treatments, we train to recognise complications early and act quickly to minimise harm.
Recently, I experienced a rare vascular event during treatment. It was recognised immediately, managed appropriately, and thankfully the patient made an excellent recovery. It reinforced something I have always believed: patient safety is about far more than technical skill, it's about preparation, knowledge, experience, and being ready to act.
What patients rarely see is the emotional impact complications have on the clinician. I found it difficult to sleep afterwards, replaying every moment in my mind. Even though every injectable treatment carries an inherent risk, that knowledge doesn't lessen the responsibility you feel when something unexpected happens.
The experience strengthened my commitment to vigilance, ongoing education, honest consent discussions, and ensuring patient safety remains at the centre of every treatment I perform.
Patients often see the finished result on social media, but they don't see the years of clinical training, emergency planning, and continuous professional development that go into every injection.
Before treatment, ask your practitioner:
✅ What training do you have?
✅ How do you recognise complications?
✅ What is your emergency protocol?
✅ Will you be available for follow-up if needed?
Complications can occur even in experienced hands. Good practice isn't pretending the risks don't exist, it's recognising them early, managing them appropriately, and supporting the patient every step of the way 💚
