Once stigmatised, cosmetic procedures have soared in popularity in recent years, sparking booming demand for injectables and dermal fillers among South Africans seeking to enhance their looks. But there are a few key “do’s and don’ts” to be aware of if you want to achieve the best-looking results, states aesthetic expert Dr Reza Mia.

Owner of the Anti-Aging Art medical aesthetic and holistic wellness centre in Johannesburg, Dr Reza notes that in parallel to the growing popularity of cosmetic treatments, he has also seen an uptake in patients seeking to fix issues with their fillers and injectables.

“Aesthetic medicine is really a blend of art and science, and it takes time, knowledge, and skill to become an expert in the area, much like any other field of medicine. Many patients have approached doctors who don’t work exclusively in the field or who have not completed higher education in the aesthetic or regenerative field. Then, when they are dissatisfied with their results, they realise that they should be more discriminating and rather consult professionals who focus on aesthetics and practice it full-time,” he says.