Safe Aesthetic Treatments Campaign
The Safe Aesthetic Treatments Campaign is an educational initiative developed by Dr. Bela Horvath in 2017 to help you, the patient, make safer, more informed decisions when it comes to non-surgical cosmetic procedures like Botox, dermal fillers, lip fillers, and skin rejuvenation.
Whether you’re considering your first treatment or have years of experience with aesthetic care, this campaign equips you with tools, guidance, and clarity to navigate the often confusing world of cosmetic clinics. With the rise of unqualified providers and misleading online content, knowing how to ask the right questions and spot a safe practitioner has never been more important.
This is not about fear – it’s about empowerment. You don’t need to be a medical expert to protect your health and wellbeing. You just need to know what to look for.
The Safe Aesthetic Treatments Checklist
This checklist is designed for patients who want to feel confident and informed before any treatment. It walks you through what safe practice looks like, and offers simple sample questions you can ask your practitioner.
- Confirm qualifications, hygiene, and safety standards
- Learn what makes a treatment room medically prepared
- Understand what to expect during informed consent
- Spot red flags before it's too late
Use the checklist to understand your practitioner’s standards – but don’t feel like you need to ask everything at once. Pick 2–3 questions that matter most to you. Good practitioners will welcome your curiosity.
Safe Aesthetic Treatments Campaign Summary in Brief Points
- Founded by Dr. Bela Horvath in 2017 to improve patient safety in aesthetics.
- Offers a universal checklist patients can use at any aesthetic consultation.
- Highlights safe injectables, proper hygiene, and complication readiness.
- Reflects the latest UK regulatory changes under the Health and Care Act 2022.
- Promotes ethical aesthetic treatments, not just attractive outcomes.
- Encourages evidence-based and medically supervised care across the UK.
Safe Aesthetic Treatment
What Every Patient Should Know Before Saying Yes to Treatment
Choosing an aesthetic treatment isn’t just about price or looks. It’s about safety, expertise, and trust. Here’s what to consider before you let anyone touch your face or skin:
What qualifications should I ask about?
Ask or check on their website if the practitioner is medically trained and registered with a professional body. You have every right to know where they trained, what their certification covers, and whether they carry proper insurance.
How do I know the treatment environment is safe?
A safe cosmetic procedure starts with a clean, sterile environment. Ask about the use of FDA-approved products, expiry dates, sterile gloves, and whether the equipment is disinfected. Emergencies are rare – but your practitioner should be ready for them.
Why does informed consent matter?
Informed consent isn’t just a signature – it’s a conversation. Your practitioner should explain all the options, benefits, risks, and alternatives, including the choice to not proceed. Rushed consultations and pressure tactics are major red flags.
What are the biggest red flags in aesthetics?
Be cautious if the practitioner avoids your questions, offers heavy discounts, refuses to show product packaging, or lacks clear complication protocols. A trusted clinic will always welcome your questions and offer full transparency.
How should I prepare for my consultation?
Bring your checklist. Choose 2–3 key questions. Ask to see product packaging. Check if the clinic is registered with the CQC (Care Quality Commission) or affiliated with a medical body like the JCCP. And trust your gut – if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
What else does safety include?
It’s not just about what happens during treatment. Ask about aftercare for aesthetic treatments, follow-up policies, and how to reach your practitioner if you have concerns after the procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most common questions about our initial aesthetic consultation process
What is the Safe Aesthetic Treatments Campaign?
An educational effort to empower patients with knowledge, tools, and confidence when considering non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
Can I use the checklist with any practitioner?
Yes. The checklist is universal – it can be used anywhere in the UK or beyond, for any non-surgical cosmetic procedure.
Will a good practitioner be offended if I ask questions?
No. Ethical practitioners welcome patient engagement. If someone becomes defensive, that’s a sign to proceed with caution.
Do I need to ask every question on the checklist?
Not at all. Pick the points that matter most to you – usually 2–3 are enough to reveal whether the practitioner follows safe practices.
How do I check if a clinic is regulated?
Look for CQC registration, professional memberships, or affiliations with accredited safety bodies like BCAM, Save Face or JCCP.
Is this campaign only for patients in Chiswick?
No – while it was developed by a Chiswick-based doctor, the campaign is intended to help all patients, everywhere.
Final Thoughts: Your Safety Is Your Right
Aesthetic treatments should never be a gamble. With the right knowledge and tools – like the Safe Aesthetic Treatments Checklist – you can make empowered decisions that prioritise your health.
Download the checklist. Learn what to ask. And never be afraid to walk away from a treatment that doesn’t feel safe.
Because when it comes to your face, your skin, and your confidence – you deserve nothing less than safe, ethical, and trusted care.