People thinking about facial plastic surgery are told to look for a surgeon who is Board Certified, with ample training, and extensive experience performing their chosen procedure. But, when it comes to injections, the things to look for seem a little less certain. While you are much less likely to see a doctor offering to perform surgery in a hotel room, salon or home, it’s not uncommon for inexperienced Botox injectors to offer to perform the injections in unconventional locations.
Since there are many risks when Botox Cosmetic is administered by an inexperienced person. or in unlikely setting, it’s important to do research when choosing an injector; just as you would when choosing a doctor for surgery or another medical procedure. Along with finding someone who will perform Botox in a medical facility, here are a few other things to look for in an injector.
1. Experience and Training
Two of the more important things to look for in a Botox injector are experience and training. While there isn’t a certification board for injections, you do want to find someone who is very familiar with the way the face works and with the musculature of the face. Usually, a facial plastic surgeon is your best option, as he or she understands the face and has experience with anti-aging procedures, from surgery to injections.
You’ll want to have a consultation with your injector prior to the Botox, to get a sense of what he or she does and a sense of how familiar he or she is with the injection. During your consultation, you can ask how he or she was trained to perform the injections and how many he has performed. The more Botox Cosmetic injections a surgeon has administered, the more confident you can feel in his or her ability and experience.
Ideally, the right Botox injector will give you a full idea of what to expect during and after the treatment. Don’t be shy about asking questions, especially if you have any concerns or worries. You might want to ask about the discomfort or pain level, and what the injector does to make the treatment as comfortable as possible. Some injectors use a topical anesthetic to numb the area, for example. The surgeon may also use a very small needle during the procedure to keep discomfort to a minimum.
You will also want to find out about the injector’s policy on follow-up appointments. You want to work with someone who will gladly see you after the injection, in case you have any complications or issues.
2. Photos of Past Patients
How do you get a sense of the injector’s ability when it comes to giving Botox injections? One way is to ask to see photos of past patients. Looking at current before and after photographs will help you see not only what the injection can do when it comes to reducing lines and wrinkles, but how natural the results look or not. You might also ask the injector for references, so that you can speak directly with past patients and find out what they thought of their injection experience and their results.
3. Ask About the Cost
You were probably going to ask about the cost of the injections anyway, so that you have an idea of what Botox will do to your bank account. Even more important, knowing what the surgeon or injector plans on charging you can also clue you into whether you’re getting the real deal or not.
Only one company legitimately produces Botox these days, and that company is responsible for setting the cost of the injections. The price your injector quotes to you includes the cost the vials and the cost of his or her skill in injecting the substance. That means that if you see a price or offer for Botox that is lower than the cost charged by the manufacturer, you should be concerned.
A bargain Botox offer can signal two things: that the product the injector is using is a dangerous knock-off or that the person offering the injection isn’t qualified. Both are signs that you should go back to the drawing board and look for a doctor with more experience or a doctor who will offer you the real deal. If your gut tells you the deal is too good to be trure – it probably is.
Contact MirrorMirror and Book a Free Consultation
If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, or if you have a question about Botox Cosmetic, please contact a patient coordinator at our office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 281-810-9083. You can also reach us by email.
Every treatment is monitored by Dr. Paul Vitenas. He has practiced in the Houston area since 1990. He has been named one of Houston’s Top Doctors and America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He’s also been awarded Houston’s Most Compassionate Doctor and a Top Doctor for Women.
The office of Mirror Mirror is conveniently located in the heart of Houston. If you are not a local, we can schedule an online consultation. We can also assist with travel and financing arrangements. We think you will see the reflection of something great at MirrorMirror Beauty Boutique.