So you’re thinking about taking the plunge, or rather the syringe. Maybe you’ve been getting too caught up in the life of your favorite celebrity on Instagram, or maybe you’ve just noticed that your reflection no longer accurately represents how you really feel.

The cosmetic fillers your girlfriends have been getting for the past few years may have made them look like they’ve stopped aging altogether, making group shots boring. For whatever reason, you’re thinking about receiving an injection of facial filler, sometimes called a dermal filler, to smooth out the creases and fine lines around your face.

First, some words of wisdom, and then we’ll offer you everything you need to make an informed choice.

You Should Know This Before Getting Facial Fillers

The first rule is: Don’t do this at home. Don’t attend house parties, shop online, or self-medicate with injections of any kind. You don’t want just anyone injecting fillers into your face, which is why medical professionals must have a license to do so.

Second, not all injectors are competent. Get your work done. Try getting recommendations from people you trust, reading evaluations written by skin care experts, and checking out before and after pictures of people’s skin. There is simply longer any excuse for going into something blind, as information is more accessible than ever before. Find out if they have the proper certifications to inject in your state. You must be conversant with the relevant statutes and ordinances.

Thirdly, how can I find out who is authorized to inject in my state? To identify licensed skincare professionals and businesses, look up your state’s licensing board online; for example, Californians can use the state’s Department of Consumer Affairs search engine.

Think carefully about why you want a face filler before getting one. When considering getting dermal fillers, it’s important to consider why and where you want them placed. Probably most essential, think about what it is that you hope to achieve. Having face fillers done is not necessarily a good idea just because everyone else is doing it.

All face fillers are not created equal. Remember to study again. Knowledge is power, so do your homework before visiting the qualified skincare professional who will provide your injections. Below, you’ll find a comparison and analysis of several of the most often-used facial fillers.