What is the Fillercheck? Here’s how to safely choose filler or Botox treatments.
Botox and fillers have become so commonplace in recent years that it sometimes seems as if they’re no longer medical treatments, but rather a makeup session. That’s exactly why the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate, together with Tilburg University and the platform “wiemooiwilzijn,” has developed the Fillercheck: a practical self-assessment tool for anyone considering treatment with Botox, fillers, or other injectables. At Aepril Clinics, we wholeheartedly welcome this initiative. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the check and explain how we, as a clinic, can address each of the questions that raise red flags.
fillercheck igj
What exactly is the Fillercheck?
The Fillercheck is a free, independent online test available at fillercheck.nl, created with the idea that proper preparation helps you make an informed choice. The questionnaire was developed in response to concerns about how easily accessible cosmetic treatments are these days and the risks that are sometimes underestimated. The check consists of four topics you should ask yourself before undergoing a treatment, and is intended for anyone who is unsure, exploring their options, or already has an appointment scheduled.
risks
1. Do you know what the treatment involves and what the risks are?
The first part of the checklist is about knowledge: do you know what treatment you’re receiving, how it’s performed, and what risks are involved? Do you also know what happens if the results are disappointing, and whether you can contact the clinic with questions or concerns afterward? This may sound obvious, but in practice, many people walk into a treatment room without having specifically asked these questions. A clinic that truly has its patients’ best interests at heart will naturally take the time to address these matters without you having to ask.
At Aepril Clinics, we believe in thorough consultations, honesty, and transparency; we’d rather make you a little nervous with all the information than keep things from you.
costs
2. Are the costs realistic?
The second point on the checklist is about price. Does the price you’re being offered match what you’d expect, or is it suspiciously low? And does the clinic use promotional offers that put you under time pressure, such as a deal that’s valid only today? A low price can be a sign that corners are being cut somewhere—for example, in the quality of the products used, the practitioner’s experience, or the time set aside for your initial consultation. Moreover, time pressure and discount promotions are specifically designed to make you think less critically, whereas a well-considered decision deserves time.
That’s why we always allow plenty of time for promotions and discounts and regularly make exceptions for patients so you don’t have to make a difficult decision on the spot.
Good to know: Extremely high prices don’t always mean quality, but very low prices do mean that corners are being cut. This often happens at the expense of the patient’s time, the quality of the medical devices, or follow-up care. Make a well-informed decision that’s right for you. At Aepril Clinics, we never cut corners; we choose the best products and medical devices available, and our prices reflect our investment in quality.
Think carefully
3. How much do you want this, and is it a well-considered decision?
The third part focuses on your own motivation. Have you talked about it with friends or family? Does this choice truly reflect who you are, or do you mainly feel pressure from the beauty standards around you? And—this is a strict requirement—are you 18 years old or older? These questions aren’t about doubting for the sake of doubting, but about distinguishing between a well-considered desire and an impulsive decision stemming from insecurity or social pressure. A good clinic never pressures you; instead, it gives you the space to answer these questions for yourself.
You can tell a good clinic not only by the treatments it offers but, above all, by how it responds when treatment isn’t possible. Are they pushy? Do they try to talk you into something? We regularly send people home to think it over calmly, so that you can make a good decision next time.
reliability
4. Is your practitioner trustworthy?
The final—and perhaps most important—part of the check concerns the practitioner themselves. Who is treating you, and is a BIG-registered physician involved in the treatment? The BIG Registry is the national registry where you can verify whether someone is actually authorized and qualified to perform a medical procedure. Cosmetic practitioners who are not registered in this registry are, in many cases, not allowed to administer injectables at all, yet this still happens far too often in practice.
Unfortunately, we often see patients in our clinic who have experienced complications caused by unqualified and unlicensed practitioners. For this reason, we work exclusively with experienced, BIG-registered physicians. Even if these doctors have already been trained at another clinic, when they start working with us, they still go through our Aepril Academy to ensure they follow our methods and protocols.
The Most Important Tips
What Experts Emphasize
In addition to the checklist itself, the IGJ also features insights from an expert by experience, an inspector, a scientist, and a cosmetic physician. A recurring piece of advice is to give yourself time to think things over and not to make decisions under time pressure—for example, right before an important event. They also warn against upselling in the treatment room, where you’re told—without asking—about other “areas for improvement” beyond the reason you initially came in. Furthermore, the experts all emphasize the same point: always ask about your practitioner’s training and certification, and never accept being denied time to think things over—even if you’re already in the treatment chair.
We completely agree with this!
We love the FillerCheck!
This is how Aepril Clinics aligns with each of these points
For us, transparency and safety are not an afterthought, but the foundation of how we work. Our treatments are performed by BIG-registered practitioners, whose registration you can verify directly through the BIG registry. During the intake consultation, we discuss in detail what a treatment entails, what risks are involved, and what options are available if the results are disappointing, so that you can make an informed decision. Our prices are clearly listed on our pricing page, without extreme limited-time discounts or misleading “bargain” offers that pressure you into making a quick decision.
Our initial consultation is always free and non-binding—precisely because we want you to have the time and space to think things over without any obligation. We don’t engage in upselling: we only discuss the treatments you’ve come in for, and we won’t point out other “areas for improvement” without being asked. If you’re under eighteen, you’re not eligible for aesthetic treatments at our clinic. And if you have second thoughts during the consultation or even right before the treatment, you can always cancel or reschedule—we won’t make a fuss about it.
What to Do When in Doubt
Still not sure? That’s always okay.
Would you like to go through the Fillercheck yourself before making an appointment? You can do so at fillercheck.nl, an initiative of the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate, Tilburg University, and wiemooiwilzijn. We recommend that anyone considering treatment complete this check, regardless of which clinic you ultimately choose.
Our initial consultation is always free and non-binding—precisely because we want you to have the time and space to think things over without any obligation. We don’t engage in upselling: we only discuss the treatments you’ve come in for, and we won’t point out other “areas for improvement” without being asked. If you’re under eighteen, you’re not eligible for aesthetic treatments at our clinic. And if you have second thoughts during the consultation or even right before the treatment, you can always cancel or reschedule—we won’t make a fuss about it.
How much does treatment at Aepril Clinics cost?
Curious about the cost of Botox or filler treatments at our clinic? You’ll find an up-to-date overview on our pricing page, and during a no-obligation consultation, we’ll work with you to determine what’s right for you, without any time pressure or obligations.
Schedule a no-obligation, relaxed introductory meeting
At Aepril Clinics in Utrecht and Hengelo, we work with BIG-registered doctors, offer transparent pricing, and take all the time needed to answer your questions—exactly as recommended by Fillercheck. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation here and take your time to decide what’s right for you.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fillercheck?
The Fillercheck is a free online tool for people considering treatment with fillers, Botox, or other injectables. The Fillercheck helps you take a more informed look at the treatment, the costs, your own motivation, and the practitioner’s expertise.
Is the Fillercheck intended only for fillers?
No. Despite its name, you can also use the Fillercheck if you’re considering treatment with Botox or other injectables.
How can I check if my practitioner is trustworthy?
Ask who will be performing the treatment, what training and experience the practitioner has, and which doctor is ultimately responsible for the medical care. Also, check whether the doctor in question is listed in the BIG registry. You can look up a BIG registration yourself at BIGregister.nl.
Can someone who is not registered with the BIG administer fillers or Botox?
A physician who bears ultimate medical responsibility must always be involved in treatments involving fillers or Botox. A practitioner who is not registered with the BIG may not act completely independently. The treatment must be performed on the orders of a licensed physician and in accordance with the applicable conditions. Therefore, always ask who the responsible physician is.
At what age can you get fillers or Botox?
In the Netherlands, cosmetic treatments involving fillers and Botox may not be performed on individuals under the age of 18. If a clinic still wants to treat you even though you are not yet 18, this is a clear red flag.
What questions should I ask before getting a filler or Botox treatment?
Be sure to ask, among other things, which product and brand are used, what results are realistic, what risks and side effects may occur, and what you should do if you experience any symptoms. Also discuss how follow-up care is arranged and how to contact the clinic if a complication arises.
Is an inexpensive filler or Botox treatment unsafe?
A low price doesn’t automatically mean that a treatment is unsafe, but a strikingly low price may be a reason to take a closer look. Check whether a licensed physician is involved, what products are being used, and whether proper follow-up care is available. Don’t let yourself be pressured by limited-time offers or promotions that require you to make an immediate decision.
What does a clinic need to arrange after treatment?
A reputable clinic provides clear post-treatment instructions and is available to answer questions, address unsatisfactory results, or handle potential complications. The clinic must also have a complaints procedure in place, and it must be clear where you can turn if something goes wrong after treatment.
Can Fillercheck guarantee that a treatment will go well?
No. Even after all the necessary checks have been performed, a cosmetic procedure can still result in side effects or complications. Proper preparation, a skilled practitioner, realistic expectations, and accessible follow-up care reduce the risks, but can never completely eliminate them.
Where can I take the official Fillercheck?
You can find the official Fillercheck on the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate’s website at IGJ.nl/fillercheck. If you’re unsure, always take the time to think about your decision. You may also decide at the last minute not to undergo a treatment.
Schedule a no-obligation, relaxed introductory meeting
At Aepril Clinics in Utrecht and Hengelo, we work with BIG-registered doctors, offer transparent pricing, and take all the time you need to answer your questions—exactly as recommended by Fillercheck.
