When it comes to non-surgical cosmetic treatments, such as Botox Cosmetic and other injections, there tends to be a persistent misunderstanding that “non-surgical” is the same as “non-medical.” While having an injection isn’t the same as having surgery, it isn’t something that just anyone can do.

If you are thinking about Botox, you want to be as diligent in finding an injector as you would be when finding a surgeon to perform a facial plastic surgery procedure. In the wrong hands, the results from a Botox treatment can range from disappointing to disastrous. Protect your face and your health by always asking the following questions before you let someone inject you with Botox.

How Did You Learn About Botox?

Any medical professional can inject Botox legally. Odds are that you don’t want just anyone to inject a toxic substance into your face, though. While doctors can purchase Botox without training, the ones who know what they are doing have taken some sort of training program or course, in a supervised, clinical setting. If the person you’re considering hasn’t had any training beyond a rep from the company that makes Botox pointing out the right injection sites, you should look elsewhere.

How Long Have You Been Performing Injections?

Training is just one part of the experience puzzle. You also want to find out how long the person’s been performing injections and how many he or she performs each week. The longer and the more injections, the better, as that means the doctor is very familiar with the treatment and will be able to administer the dose to the right part of your face and in the right amount.

While some plastic surgeons feature Botox as a primary part of their practice, some doctors, particularly doctors in other specialty areas, see it as a way to boost revenue, but lack the experiene or training needed to ensure good results. Be wary of the OB/GYN or internist who offers Botox on the side or who doesn’t perform that many injections on a regular basis.

Where Does the Botox Come From?

Botox is only sold to medical professionals, directly from its manufacturer, Allergan. There are a few signs that the “Botox” you’re being promised isn’t really Botox. One of them is if the doctor or injector is offering you Botox at a steep discount. All medical professionals pay the same amount for the product. It’s a popular treatment, so there’s no need for the company to run sales. If you’re being offered injections below market value, it might be because those injections are fake.

Are There Side Effects You Should Worry About?

Most medical providers are quick to downplay the side effects of Botox injections. When performed by a trained pro, side effects are usually minimal. But, you should want to know what they are and what you’ll need to do if you develop serious side effects or complications.

For example, an over-injection of the substance can cause your eyelid to droop. Droopiness can also happen if you dip your head or lean forward a few hours after the injection, causing the substance to move from the treated area to another part of your face.

Along with finding out about side effects, it also helps to find out what the injector’s plan is in case there’s an emergency. Emergency situations are very rare, but you want to know that there’s a protocol in place and that you won’t be left hanging if something goes wrong during your treatment.

Questions Your Doctor Should Ask You

Beyond gauging your doctor’s responses to the questions you ask, you want to see if he asks you the right set of questions. Although there are some similarities from face to face, everyone is different. Your injector should ask you to move your face by smiling, frowning and the like. That will give him an idea of the type of lines that form when you move and the best locations for an injection.

If the injector doesn’t look closely at your face or ask you to move your muscles, there’s no way for him or her to know where to put the Botox.

Your doctor should also discuss the type of results you want from the treatment, so that he or she knows the appropriate amount to inject or where to inject it. Some patients want more natural looking results, and prefer less Botox, for example, while others would rather get more dramatic results. If an injector doesn’t seem interested in getting to know you, it’s best to find another person to do the injections.

In Virginia Beach, Dr. Kyle Choe specializes in Botox injections, as well as facial plastic surgery procedures. He’s available to answer any questions you have about his qualifications or about the injection process in general. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Choe, call 757.389.5850 today.