Choosing a BOTOX® Provider

Taking the time to thoroughly research BOTOX® Cosmetic providers is an important first step before undergoing treatment. Seeking out a knowledgeable, experienced doctor will help ensure that you achieve high-quality results from your BOTOX® injections. Read the following sections to learn about BOTOX® therapy and how to choose the right doctor to perform your treatment.

Tips for Choosing the Right BOTOX® Doctor or Specialist

Many physicians have experience administering BOTOX® Cosmetic. However, each different doctor will have different qualifications, so it is important to ask questions to help you find the BOTOX® Cosmetic provider who will meet your unique needs as a patient. Your questions can address how much experience the provider has, how much the procedure will cost, whether you can view before-and-after pictures of the provider’s BOTOX® Cosmetic patients, whether the provider offers touchup treatments in the case of a less-than-satisfactory outcome, and any issues that apply to your situation. By being specific about your expectations, you will help ensure that you choose the physician best suited to your needs. .

Cosmetic Dermatologists

Cosmetic dermatologists are qualified to provide BOTOX® injections and other cosmetic services, as well as treat a variety of medical conditions, such as skin cancer. To become a dermatologist, one must complete a minimum of 12 years of college and post-graduate training, typically consisting of four years at an accredited university; four years of medical school; a year of post-graduate training in medicine; and three years of formal residency training in dermatology. After taking written and oral exams to become board certified, dermatologists who wish to specialize in cosmetic dermatology enroll in an advanced training fellowship for one to two years.

Cosmetic Surgeons

Cosmetic surgeons are physicians trained in a specialty such as otolaryngology, ophthalmology, or dermatology. While these doctors may have undergone formal surgical training or additional training to gain experience with a new procedure, they are not required to have specialized training to practice cosmetic surgery. For this reason, it is wise for patients to thoroughly research a cosmetic surgeon’s training, experience, and expertise before making an appointment for a BOTOX® treatment. A good doctor will have been certified by a recognized medical organization, such as the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS), or the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), both of which establish high standards for the quality and safety of medical care.

Facial Plastic Surgeons

A facial plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery (ABFPR) has completed a post-graduate residency program for two to three years, achieved certification by either the American Board of Otolaryngology or the American Board of Plastic Surgery, successfully practiced facial plastic surgery for at least two years, and presented at least 100 detailed case reports to a peer-review board. A facial plastic surgeon must also successfully complete rigorous two-day written and oral examinations to receive board certification from the ABFPR. Patients can help ensure that they will achieve high-quality, professional results after BOTOX® treatment by choosing a doctor who is certified by the ABFPR.

BOTOX® Cosmetic and Medical Spas

Medical spas combine a relaxing day-spa environment with cosmetic enhancement. A medical spa differs from a traditional day spa because it operates under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. Medical spas offer services such as photo-facials, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. These spas cater to people who want to improve their appearance without resorting to invasive plastic surgery procedures. If you decide to get BOTOX® injections from a doctor at a medical spa, there are steps you can take to help ensure that you receive a quality treatment:

• Check the credentials of the doctor in charge of the spa. If possible, choose a spa under the supervision of a doctor who is certified by the ABFPR.
• Verify that the staff has experience with cosmetic procedures, including BOTOX® therapy.
• Research the BOTOX® treatment process so that you know what procedures and results you should expect.
• Ask questions until you feel secure and comfortable with the spa's procedures, staff, and facility.

BOTOX® Cosmetic Parties

BOTOX® Cosmetic parties have become a popular in some areas because the parties provide a means for doctors to provide comparatively low-cost BOTOX® injections to many patients at one time. By purchasing BOTOX® Cosmetic in bulk, a doctor can cut the cost of providing injections and pass some of the savings on to patients. Many patients prefer BOTOX® parties because they find that undergoing the procedure in the company of friends is more comfortable and easier on the nerves than having treatment in a medical setting. Most qualified BOTOX® Cosmetic providers frown on the parties, however, as treatment does not take place in a controlled, sterile environment such as a doctor’s office or hospital, and there is no support staff to provide assistance should complications arise. If you decide to participate in a BOTOX® party, sometimes referred to as a BOTOX® seminar, evening, or social, be sure a qualified doctor with extensive experience administers the injections in a sanitary environment.

Connect with a Surgeon or Dermatologist near You

To help ensure that you achieve optimal results from your BOTOX® treatment, your doctor should have extensive training and experience in administering BOTOX® injections. Use DocShop's extensive listings to find a cosmetic dermatologist in your area that has the qualifications you seek.