Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers from Dr. Fatima Mahdi, MD. If your question isn't here, call us at 613-869-3269.
Clinic & booking
Who is the injector?
All treatments at Faces Aesthetics Alliston are administered personally by Dr. Fatima Mahdi, MD (CPSO #115421). Dr. Mahdi is an emergency physician with specialized training in medical aesthetics focused exclusively on Botox and dermal filler.
Do you have other injectors on staff?
No. Dr. Mahdi sees every patient herself. This is a deliberate choice, we'd rather see fewer patients well than many patients quickly.
Where are you located?
106 Victoria St W, 2nd Floor, Alliston, ON L9R 1L7. We are an independent medical aesthetics clinic, not a larger medical center or spa.
What are your hours?
By appointment only. We see patients in scheduled blocks. Book a consultation online, or call 613-869-3269 to find a time that works.
Can I book online?
Yes. You can book a consultation online in about a minute. Because injectables are a medical procedure, you book a consultation, a real conversation with Dr. Mahdi about your goals, your history, and whether you're a candidate, rather than a treatment slot, and you only proceed if it's the right fit. Prefer to talk first? Call 613-869-3269.
Do you take walk-ins?
No. Every appointment is dedicated one-on-one time with Dr. Mahdi, which requires advance scheduling.
Do you charge a consultation fee?
No. Your consultation is included. If we agree on a treatment plan, you're quoted a price before any injection begins.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, credit card, debit card, and Interac.
Is the cost covered by insurance?
Cosmetic injectables (Botox, filler) are not covered by OHIP or private insurance. Therapeutic Botox for conditions like hyperhidrosis or chronic migraine may be partially covered depending on your extended health plan, call your insurer directly to confirm.
About Botox
How long does Botox last?
3-4 months for most patients. Masseter Botox often lasts longer (6+ months).
How much does Botox cost?
Botox is priced per unit; your total depends on the areas treated and units required. There is no consultation fee, and you get an exact quote at your consultation.
Does Botox hurt?
A brief pinch with very fine needles. Topical numbing is available on request.
When will I see results?
Onset at day 3-5, full result at day 14.
Is there downtime?
No true downtime. Avoid lying flat for 4 hours and heavy exercise for 24 hours.
Can I get Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. We do not treat pregnant or breastfeeding patients.
Will I look frozen?
Not if we dose you conservatively, which is our default. Our philosophy is softening, not paralyzing.
About dermal filler
How long does filler last?
HA filler lasts 6-18 months. Lips tend to last 6-12 months; cheeks and jawline 12-18 months.
How much does filler cost?
Filler is priced per syringe; most areas need 1-2 syringes. You receive an exact quote at your consultation.
Does filler hurt?
Numbing cream plus lidocaine in the filler means minimal discomfort for most patients.
Can filler be reversed?
Yes, HA filler is fully dissolvable with hyaluronidase in a short office visit.
Is there downtime?
Mild swelling for 3-7 days and possible light bruising. Schedule filler 2 weeks before any major event.
What filler brand do you use?
Health Canada-approved HA fillers, chosen based on the area being treated. Dr. Mahdi will discuss the specific product during your consultation.
Can I get filler while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No.
About safety
Is injectable aesthetics safe?
When performed by a trained medical professional on an appropriate candidate, Botox and HA filler have strong safety records. Serious complications are rare but possible.
What if something goes wrong?
Contact us immediately (613-869-3269). Dr. Mahdi is an emergency physician equipped to manage complications on-site. HA filler can be dissolved quickly with hyaluronidase if needed.
What are the real risks?
Common and self-limiting: redness, swelling, bruising, mild tenderness. Rare but serious: vascular occlusion (filler), eyelid droop (Botox), allergic reaction. We review the specific risks for your planned treatment before consent.
Do you use genuine, regulated products?
Yes. We use only Health Canada-approved products sourced through licensed medical suppliers. We do not use compounded, grey-market, or unregulated fillers.
First visits
What happens at my first appointment?
Consultation (goals and history), assessment (Dr. Mahdi examines your anatomy), pricing confirmation, numbing if filler, injection, aftercare review, and follow-up scheduling. Total chair time: 30-60 minutes depending on treatment.
Do I need to do anything before my appointment?
Avoid blood thinners, alcohol, fish oil, and vitamin E for 24-48 hours to reduce bruising. Arrive with clean skin. Let us know of any medications or medical conditions on your call.
Can I drive myself home?
Yes. Botox and filler do not affect your ability to drive.
Can I wear makeup afterward?
For both Botox and filler: after 24 hours, gently.
When should I schedule relative to an event?
2-3 weeks minimum. Filler swelling and bruising need time to resolve, and Botox results peak at 2 weeks.
More questions?
If what you want to know isn't covered here, ask on your call.
Faces Aesthetics Alliston · 106 Victoria St W, 2nd Floor, Alliston, ON L9R 1L7 · By Appointment Only