We are currently seeing a huge rise in the number of both men and women who are turning to non surgical cosmetic treatments such as Botox and Dermal Fillers (Juvederm) to keep their appearances looking young and fresh. As these numbers rise, the number of Botox and Filler providers has also increased. In addition to Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons, Botox and Facial Filler injections are now being performed by General Surgeons, ENT Doctors, Dermatologists, Gynecologists, Family Practice Physicians, Nurses, and Spa Aestheticians to name a few. Many of the lesser experienced injectors attempt to attract their customers with low prices. This often leads to complications, unpleasant cosmetic results, and most importantly patient dissatisfaction.
So if you would like to look younger without surgery and are thinking about Botox or Dermal Filler treatments here are some tips to consider when choosing a doctor for your injections:
Find an Experienced Injector
- Many types of physicians, nurses, and aestheticians perform Botox and Filler injections. Be sure the doctor you choose has extensive experience in performing the procedure. Don’t be misled by fancy degrees and the number of letters that follow the provider’s last name. There are some doctors who will personally give the injections themselves, whereas many plastic surgeons and medical spas have nurses and aestheticians doing all their Botox and Filler treatments.
- Instead of choosing a Botox doctor based on their degree, find out how much experience they have, and if possible look for previous patient satisfaction through reviews. One thing that is very important is an excellent knowledge of facial anatomy. An experienced injector of Botox and Filler treatments will know exactly where to inject to provide you with the results you desire.
Quality over Cost of Botox or Fillers
- Because of the popularity of Botox and Filler treatments many places are offering these injectables at cheap prices. I am a firm believer in the saying You Get What You Pay For , and if a price seems too good to be true then it probably is as the quality of the product will also be lower.
- For Botox to work effectively it must be diluted with saline solution in a very specific way. Places which offer cheap Botox are likely diluting the product too much. This allows them to use the product on more patients. Botox that has been diluted too much may still work, but since the effect is weaker it will last for a much shorter period of time.
- Remember, you get what you pay for, and the last thing you want is to pay for Botox and have your wrinkles come back after only a couple of weeks.
- Ask your doctor about the appropriate dosage that will be required to achieve the result you want. For Botox injection, dosages are in units. Each area will vary in number of units required depending on size of the area and depth of wrinkles. Additional injections may be required at your follow up appointment to achieve your desired result.
Ask for Information
- View before-and-after photos of patients with similar conditions who received Botox.
- Inquire about complication risks and possible side effects, including the impact that smoking and medications may have on your treatment.
- Ask the doctor to estimate the number of treatments required to achieve and maintain the maximum benefit.
- Request a list of pre-op and post-op instructions. Following these instructions can reduce the risk of complications.