Starting Right: The Truth About Self-Injecting By Rana Kennelly

One of the first questions I often get asked in aesthetics is: Can aesthetic practitioners inject themselves with toxins or fillers?

Technically—yes. But the better question is: should they?

Let’s talk about it.

I’ve always been vocal about my concerns around self-injecting—both from a safety and professionalism standpoint. And, to be honest, I’ve been surprised by how much pushback I’ve received over the years—even from some people I’ve looked up to who I have considered mentors and role models. 

I assumed we’d all be on the same page when it comes to prioritizing safety and clinical ethics in aesthetic medicine. But the responses I’ve heard?

• “I only trust myself with my face.”

• “I know my anatomy best.”

• “I’ve been injecting my own face for 20 years—no problems.”

My internal reaction? “You’re a dick.” My external, online response? “I beg to differ.”

It’s disheartening, honestly, to scroll through social media and see video after video of injectors—nurses, doctors, influencers—self-injecting on camera. It's one thing to self-treat behind closed doors (we’re all human), but turning it into content for likes and shares? That sends the wrong message. Especially to the public.

At The Confidence Lab, we start our training with a strong foundation. That means talking openly about ethics, integrity, and the reputation of our industry. I always address the topic of self-injecting in our courses, and I always feel the room collectively nod in agreement.

Is self-injecting illegal? No.

Is it regulated? No.

But is it safe? Is it responsible? Is it professional? That’s where we need to pause and reflect.

Let’s be honest. Most people who self-inject aren’t doing it because they’re out of options—they’re doing it for convenience, vanity, or content. There’s often a belief that "if I do it on myself, it shows I’m skilled." But what it really shows, especially on social media, is a breakdown in professional boundaries.

We’re not just representing ourselves when we post online—we’re representing the field of medical aesthetics as a whole. And when we glamorize self-injecting, we unintentionally tell the public: “Anyone can do this.”

But what we don’t see? That nurse or doctor behind the ring light who gets sudden, searing pain mid-injection. The vision changes. The panic. Those videos don’t make it to Instagram. 

Now look—I’m not being matronly here. I get it. The temptation is real. You notice a little Spock brow after hours, and your tox is sitting right there. Maybe a tiny tweak to relax that spock. It’s human nature.

But do it in private. And please—don’t film it and post it. 

Your face is not a marketing tool. Your social media is not a reality show. You are building a brand rooted in trust, safety, and professionalism. Don't blow it for the sake of a viral reel.

If you want to show what you can do? Show your consultation process. Show how you prioritize safety. Show your patients' results—not your own injecting skills on your own face in the mirror.

So thank you—genuinely—to those of you who take a stand and model what responsible, ethical aesthetics looks like. And say no to self injecting. And I find it a great responsibility to share with you on how to start right.