Tips for injectable treatments
Posted: 1:04 p.m. Friday, July 5, 2013
By Anita Mandal, M.D.
Question: I’ve seen two plastic surgeons for Botox and fillers. Their fees were much higher than most medical spas. Is there any real benefit to paying more for a plastic surgeon?
Answer: Botox and fillers may seem quick and easy, but serious complications do occur. One may end up paying more to correct a problem than to have it done right the first time.
Tips on finding a skilled injector:
- Having a medical degree and being board-certified are important, but only basic prerequisites.
- Be cautious and question fees that are well below average.
- Find out how many syringes or vials your doctor uses per week. Your plastic surgeon may do a high volume of breast implants, but this does not translate into a busy injectable practice. A facial plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in the face often does a high volume of facial procedures.
- However impressive it sounds, a doctor recognized for training, clinical research, lecturing or scientific publications is not necessarily skilled at injectable treatments.
- View before and after photos to be sure your surgeon’s cosmetic results are consistent with your expectations.
- Ask what unique injection techniques your surgeon uses to avoid overfilled lips, bumps, a surprised look, etc. Today, fillers are commonly injected, using advanced techniques, on bone and in deep fat pockets to restore facial volume.
- Your injector should know the limits of injectable therapy and be thoroughly familiar with all surgical alternatives.