Montreal has no shortage of aesthetic clinics. Some are physician-led. Others are not. Some show genuine before-and-after results. Many post edited photos. The difference between a safe experience and an avoidable complication often comes down to a few questions most people never think to ask. Here they are, in the order they matter.
Who runs the clinic, and who oversees your care?
In Quebec, aesthetic medicine falls under the College of Physicians of Quebec. A physician performing higher-risk procedures, such as botulinum toxin or filler injections, must hold a valid permit. But "physician-supervised" can mean many things, from active presence in the treatment room to a name on a wall plaque.
The question to ask: is a physician physically present during my treatments? A solid answer describes a specific protocol. A vague response about "the medical team" deserves a follow-up.
At La Clé, founding physician Dr. Hadi Krayem oversees care directly. The clinic, at 204 Notre-Dame Street West in Old Montreal, was built around that supervision structure.
Who performs the injections, and what is their training?
In Quebec, aesthetic injections can be performed by physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses under conditions defined by the OIIQ. A reassuring title does not automatically mean the training you expect is there.
The question to ask: what specific training does the person injecting me have, and how long have they been doing these procedures? A serious clinic answers without hesitation.
Does the visit start with a real consultation?
Some clinics offer ten-minute "consultations" where you get a price before anyone has assessed your face. That is a quote, not a consultation.
A real consultation takes time to examine your anatomy, understand your goals, identify contraindications, and explain what is realistic. It leaves room for your questions.
What is the clinic's philosophy on results?
Some clinics sell volume: a number of syringes, a visible transformation at any cost. Others start from your face as it is and work to improve its harmony. The question to ask: what result seems appropriate for my case, and why? If the answer sounds like a sales pitch, it is one. Aesthetic medicine that ages well does not try to make you look different, only rested.
Are the products and devices Health Canada approved?
Health Canada regulates the approval of medical devices and dermal fillers. Unapproved products, or products used outside their indication, circulate in some settings, often at much lower prices. The question to ask: which brands do you use, and are they Health Canada approved for this application? An injector who cannot name the brand warrants a closer look.
Is the clinic transparent about risks?
Every injection carries some risk, even minor: bruising, temporary swelling, slight asymmetry. A serious clinic mentions these without minimizing them, because informed consent is an obligation in Quebec. The question to ask: what are the possible complications, and how do you handle them if they occur?
Can you see real results and genuine reviews?
Look for consistent photos: same lighting, same angle, same expression. Google reviews are harder to manipulate at scale; favor ones that describe the consultation experience.
How La Clé approaches these questions
La Clé is a physician-led medical aesthetic clinic in Old Montreal. The initial consultation is a clinical act in its own right: it comes before any treatment and serves to evaluate anatomy, goals, and contraindications. The products used are Health Canada approved. The results sought are natural and adapted to each patient.
This article was reviewed by the La Clé clinical team.
To discuss it, book on our contact page.
La Clé clinical team
Frequently asked questions
In Quebec, who can perform aesthetic injections?
Physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses within the framework defined by the College of Physicians of Quebec and the OIIQ. Always ask for the exact title and training of the person performing your treatment.
Are fillers offered at non-medical spas safe?
Not necessarily. Health Canada regulates the approval of dermal fillers for aesthetic medical use. Ask for the brand name and confirm its regulatory status before treatment.
What is the difference between a medical aesthetic clinic and a spa?
A medical aesthetic clinic performs medical procedures under physician oversight regulated by the College of Physicians. A spa offers surface-level cosmetic treatments. If a complication arises, the management framework is very different.
Is a paid consultation worth it?
Often, yes. A thorough consultation assesses whether a treatment suits your anatomy, identifies contraindications, and sets realistic expectations. A clinic that charges for it generally treats it as having genuine clinical value.
How can I tell if before-and-after photos are authentic?
Look for consistency: same lighting, angle, and expression. Be cautious when the background or lighting changes between photos. Ask to see results from cases close to yours.