Choosing a Botox or Juvederm Provider

Sometimes, no matter how young you feel, your face tells a different story. Sun exposure, pollution, natural aging and lifestyle factors can all diminish the collagen layer that supports the skin. Non-surgical cosmetic procedures - such as Botox and Juvederm injections - have become increasingly popular over the past decade. Patients are eager to find ways to look younger without the risks or down time associated with surgical procedures like facelifts. Although Botox and Juvederm are relatively safe procedures, a concern is that there are many untrained providers and injectors of Botox and dermal fillers. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery recently reported cases of untrained people dispensing and injecting Botox and Juvederm in gyms, salons, hotel rooms, home-based offices, and other retail venues. In such cases, patients run the risk of improper techniques, inappropriate doses, and unsanitary conditions.

The 8 points below are provided to help you choose a qualified injector and have a safe, satisfying experience with Botox and Juvederm:

1. Find out if you are a candidate for Botox or Juvederm. Because Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm dermal fillers involve only a few small injections during a 10- to 20-minute session, most people seeking the treatments find they are a excellent candidates .While Botox is FDA-approved for patients age 18 – 65, as with any medical treatment, there are some considerations/contraindications, such as: an allergy to any of the ingredients in the product, pregnancy and lactation, and recent use of muscle relaxants. It is also important to discuss expectations and cost to help eliminate disappointment regarding financial expectations or treatment outcomes. Pregnant or nursing women and patients with active facial herpes simplex should not have Juvederm filler injections.

2. Determine the amount of training the injector received. You want to choose a doctor or nurse who has performed significant numbers of Botox or Juvederm treatments as part of his or her practice and continues to obtain continuing education. You want an injector who has perfected the procedure through practice.

3. Get a recommendation from a physician, friend or associate you trust. Satisfied patients or colleagues are often the best resources for finding Botox or Juvederm providers. Good to know: Does the provider offer touch-up treatments if you are dissatisfied with the initial result? Are you provided with an after hours phone number in case of problems or questions?

4. Look into the accreditation of the doctor’s facility. The facility should be accredited by a reputable agency or licensed by the state. Visiting the doctor or provider office and surveying the cleanliness and professionalism is also recommended.

5. Select a doctor or nurse who follow proper medical procedure. Your full health history should be taken prior to the procedure, benefits and risks discussed, and a consent form signed. Any provider who does not do these things beforehand should not be allowed to perform the treatment.

6. Ask to see before and after photos of past patients. Most reputable providers keep photographic records of past procedures to demonstrate results to potential patients. (When permission has been given from past patients, of course!)

7. Select a provider with whom you feel comfortable. Botox and Juvederm treatments must be repeated regularly to maintain results so you want to choose a provider whom you will be happy to see 2 – 4 times a year.

8. Use the Allergan website to locate qualified Botox or Juvederm providers in your area.

Check the credentials of anyone performing Botox “parties” outside of a medical facility or medical spa. Although this is a common trend in many cities, it is essential to ensure whoever administers your Botox or Juvederm is a licensed healthcare professional. Otherwise, you may open yourself up to infection, incorrect dosing, muscle weakness, and a host of other complications. When Botox Cosmetic or Juvederm dermal filler are administered correctly by a trained and experienced injector, there should be a very low risk of adverse results and the result should be satisfying .