Before you say yes – what to know about consent for injection treatments

Consent is a fundamental part of patient safety in aesthetic injection treatments. With the new legislation that came into force on 1 July 2021, the requirements have been tightened to protect patients and make sure they receive the right information before a procedure is carried out. But what does consent mean in practice, and what should both practitioners and patients be aware of?

Consent after consultation – what does the law say?

Under the Swedish act on aesthetic treatments, the client's consent must be obtained before an injection treatment may be performed. An important detail that many clients may not know is that this consent may not be given directly after the consultation. The law requires a cooling-off period of at least two days so that the client can reflect and make a considered decision. This prevents treatments from being carried out under pressure or on impulse.

Verbal or written consent?

Consent can be given verbally, but to protect both patient and practitioner it is always recommended to obtain written consent. Written documentation minimises the risk of misunderstandings and serves as proof that the patient has been informed about the treatment's risks, benefits and possible side effects. The written consent should include information about the specific treatment to be performed, including the products used and potential risks.

Patient records and handling of personal data

All aesthetic treatments covered by the new law require the practitioner to keep a medical record. This means that personal data is registered and handled under the Patient Data Act. In healthcare this is a legal obligation, which means the patient's consent is not needed for the practitioner to store record entries. However, since aesthetic treatments are not considered medically necessary care, private clinics must obtain separate consent to process the patient's personal data.

How long is consent valid?

There is no fixed time limit for how long consent for an injection treatment remains valid. However, the regulations state that if a patient undergoes a similar treatment within six months of the first consultation, no further cooling-off period is needed. This makes it easier for patients who, for example, regularly top up their fillers or botulinum toxin to plan their treatments without going through the whole process again.

Why is consent so important?

Consent is not just a formality but an important part of patient safety. It gives the patient control over their treatment and ensures that all decisions are based on correct information and made without pressure. It also protects the practitioner by showing that all communication has been transparent and that the patient has understood every part of the treatment.

To create a safe and professional experience, every clinic should make sure it follows the legal requirements and works actively with clear communication and documentation. By respecting the cooling-off period, explaining risks and obtaining written consent, we build a more ethical and responsible beauty industry.

Want to know more about how to protect yourself as a patient, or how you as a practitioner can handle consent correctly? Read our guide: Patient safety in cosmetic procedures – how to protect yourself.

Summary

As a patient you have the right to feel safe and well informed before undergoing an aesthetic treatment. By choosing a licensed medical practitioner, asking for written consent and making sure the clinic follows the legal requirements, you can minimise the risks. Remember: a well-informed patient is a safe patient – and a safe patient gets better results.