Before your visit
Frequently asked questions
Consultation, safety and aftercare at Optima MD.
Your safety comes first
Medical-aesthetic treatments should be approached with the same care, clinical judgment and attention to detail as any other medical procedure. At Optima MD, patient safety guides every stage of care, from your initial consultation and treatment selection to aftercare and follow-up.
A personalized consultation
Every treatment journey begins with an individual consultation. We take time to understand your concerns, treatment goals, medical history and previous aesthetic experiences before recommending a plan.
During your consultation, we may ask about:
- Current health conditions
- Prescription medications and supplements
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active infections, cold sores or skin conditions
- Previous injectable, laser or skin treatments
- History of scarring or pigmentation changes
- Upcoming travel, dental work or medical procedures
This information helps us determine whether a treatment is appropriate for you, whether adjustments are required or whether treatment should be postponed.
Qualified, physician-led care
Optima MD is founded and medically directed by Dr. Cara Ewert. Injectable treatments are prescribed and performed by an appropriately qualified medical professional following an assessment of the patient’s needs, health history and suitability for treatment.
Our team works collaboratively to provide thoughtful, coordinated care within each professional’s training and scope of practice.
Carefully selected products and technology
We use products and medical-aesthetic technology selected for their safety, quality and suitability for use in Canada. Injectable products are obtained through appropriate Canadian suppliers and handled according to manufacturer requirements.
Treatment devices are operated by trained professionals using settings selected for the patient’s skin type, treatment area and individual needs.
Informed consent
Before treatment, we explain:
- The purpose of the treatment
- What the procedure involves
- Expected benefits and realistic outcomes
- Common side effects
- Potential risks and complications
- Expected recovery and aftercare
- Reasonable alternatives, including choosing not to proceed
You will have an opportunity to ask questions before providing consent. Consent is an ongoing conversation, and you may change your mind or pause the process at any time before treatment begins.
Clean and consistent clinical practices
We follow established infection-prevention and clinical hygiene practices. Treatment areas and equipment are prepared appropriately, single-use supplies are used where required, and injectable and blood-derived treatments are performed using aseptic technique.
Individualized treatment planning
More treatment does not always produce a better result. Our approach is conservative, measured and guided by your anatomy, skin condition and goals. If a requested treatment is unlikely to be safe, appropriate or beneficial, we will explain why and discuss suitable alternatives.
Risks and side effects
No medical-aesthetic treatment is completely free from risk. Temporary effects may include redness, tenderness, swelling, bruising, dryness, flaking or sensitivity, depending on the procedure.
Less common or more serious complications can occur. These vary by treatment and may include infection, allergic reaction, pigmentation changes, burns, scarring, asymmetry, nodules, prolonged swelling or an unsatisfactory result. Injectable treatments have additional treatment-specific risks, which will be discussed during your consultation and consent process.
Information provided on this website is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
Aftercare and follow-up
You will receive treatment-specific preparation and aftercare instructions. Following these directions can support healing and reduce avoidable risk.
Please contact the clinic if you have questions or experience a reaction that is unexpected, worsening or concerning. Follow-up appointments may be recommended to assess healing and results.
Your role in safe treatment
You can support a safe treatment experience by:
- Providing complete and accurate health information
- Informing us when your medications or health status change
- Following all preparation and aftercare directions
- Avoiding treatments from unqualified or unregulated providers
- Contacting us promptly with concerns
- Attending recommended follow-up appointments
Important safety information
When to seek urgent medical attention
Although serious complications are uncommon, some symptoms require immediate assessment.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing
- Sudden vision changes or vision loss
- Severe or rapidly increasing pain
- Significant skin blanching, mottling or unusual discolouration following filler
- Widespread weakness or symptoms occurring away from a neuromodulator injection site
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction
- Fever, spreading redness, increasing warmth, drainage or other signs of infection
- Any sudden or severe symptom that concerns you
For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. After seeking emergency care, please notify Optima MD as soon as reasonably possible.
Have questions about safety?
We welcome your questions. A consultation gives you the opportunity to learn about treatment options, possible risks and expected recovery before deciding whether treatment feels right for you.