How to Talk to Your Injector So You Actually Get What You Want
Published 2026-02-27 • Summer House Editorial Team
The gap between what clients want and what they describe is one of the most common reasons people leave a medspa feeling underwhelmed. It's not usually the injector's fault and it's not the client's fault either — it's a communication problem that nobody teaches you how to solve. Here's how to walk into a consultation prepared, so the conversation actually goes somewhere useful.
Bring Reference Photos — But the Right Kind
Reference photos are genuinely helpful, but only when they're used correctly. The most useful photos aren't celebrities with a completely different bone structure — they're photos of yourself from five or ten years ago when you felt good about how you looked. Showing your injector 'this is what my face looked like before I felt like I aged' is far more actionable than a photo of someone else entirely.
If you do bring celebrity or influencer references, use them to describe a quality — like 'I want my skin to look this hydrated' or 'I like how natural this looks' — rather than a specific outcome. Injectors work with your anatomy, not someone else's. The more your references relate to your own face and specific goals, the better the conversation will go.
Learn to Describe What Bothers You, Not What You Want Done
Most people walk in and say 'I want filler' or 'I want Botox' when what they actually mean is 'my under-eyes look hollow' or 'I look tired even when I'm not.' Describing the problem is almost always more useful than prescribing the solution. Injectors are trained to translate concerns into treatments — let them do that job.
Say things like: 'this area bothers me,' 'I look more tired than I feel,' 'my face looks uneven here,' or 'I feel like I've lost volume in this area.' Those kinds of observations give a skilled injector more to work with than a treatment name. It also opens the door for them to offer options you hadn't considered.
Be Honest About Your Comfort Level and Budget
Two conversations most clients avoid: how much they want to change and how much they want to spend. Both matter enormously. If you're conservative and want to look refreshed without anyone noticing, say that directly. If you have a $300 budget this visit, say that too. A good injector will prioritize accordingly rather than push you toward a full treatment plan you can't afford or didn't ask for.
It also helps to say where your fear is. If you're worried about looking overdone, say so explicitly. If you've seen bad results somewhere and you're nervous, bring it up. The consultation is your chance to establish trust and set expectations — use it. An injector who listens carefully to those concerns is exactly the kind of practitioner you want holding the syringe.
FAQ
What if I don't know how to describe what I want?
Start with what bothers you most and work from there. You don't need to know treatment names or technical terms. 'I look tired' or 'I feel like my face looks flat' is plenty to start a productive conversation. A good injector will ask follow-up questions to help clarify.
Is it rude to say I don't want to spend more than a certain amount?
Not at all — it's helpful. Knowing your budget lets your injector prioritize what will give you the most impact for that amount rather than building a plan you'll feel pressured to follow. Transparency on both sides leads to better outcomes.
Need help now?
Schedule a consultation at Summer House Medspa where the conversation is as important as the treatment.