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To assess, quantitatively, the quality of online information available to the public regarding non-surgical aesthetic procedures using common search engine terms to inform best practice.

Advanced search functions on Google and Bing, search engines that represent 95.27% of global searches were queried with the following expanded search terms: “facial filler” and “botox”. The information contained in the top 25 results was then assessed using validated DISCERN instrument and JAMA benchmark criteria to quantify the overall reliability and quality of the information.

Average DISCERN score was 39.2 for the 77 unique websites assessed. For Jama benchmark criteria, 33.8% of websites displayed appropriate authorship. Attribution of references and sources was seen in 24.7%. The disclosure was only stated in 16.9% of websites. Dating of content and updates were seen in 46.8% of results. Few websites discussed complications associated with each procedure.

Overall, we discovered online information surrounding botox and facial fillers to be of low to moderate quality. Our data highlights the dearth of high quality, reliable information available to patients and the potential effects this may have on patients’ expectations, the perception of treatment outcomes and perceived risks.