Creeper Alert: Why You Should ‘Stalk’ Botox Clinics Before You Choose Them!

It’s almost frightening how little time people devote on researching who they choose to administer their Botox injections.

Advertisements are easy to put out and easy to get duped by. Just because a neighborhood doctor or nurse wears an authoritative white coat and looks deep into the camera to impart an air of authority, it does not mean he or she is qualified.

The doctor may not even be board certified or even a plastic surgeon!

Tell me this. Would you happily go under the knife if a surgeon who hadn’t gone through medical school for surgery offered to take out your appendix in an easy-peasy procedure at a deeply discounted rate?

The same applies to the cosmetic injector you choose. Unless the injector is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

It can be quite confusing however, for patients to understand why this certification—and past experience—is important. So, we will tackle the subject by explaining all that you need to know to make an informed decision.

 

Q: What is the ABPS?

The ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgery) is a top-tier organization that has issued over 9,499 certificates to only those plastic surgeons who met high standards in training requirements and successfully passed the examinations covering the breadth of Plastic Surgery.

By choosing a plastic surgeon certified by the ABPS, you can be confident that the surgeon has actually completed the appropriate training and passed comprehensive written and verbal examinations covering all plastic surgery procedures.

 

Q: Why is ABPS different from other plastic surgery/cosmetic surgery certification boards?

The ABPS certification encompasses the entire spectrum of plastic surgery — including cosmetic, reconstructive, craniomaxillofacial and hand surgery. Examinations cover plastic surgery of the entire body.  That is, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck, trunk, and extremities.

On the other hand, a doctor who carries a cosmetic surgery board certification has performed a 6- or 12-month training program that is not even recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. “Board Certified” cosmetic surgeons are not truly board certified like board certified plastic surgeons are.

 

Q: What else should I know about the doctor I have chosen?

Once you are satisfied that the doctor you have chosen is indeed qualified, we always advise patients to go on the clinic website and look at “before and after” galleries like THIS. Or check on social media to find similar posts.

 You want to first see his or her handiwork, make sure you like the results, and ensure similar results are what you are hoping for.

 

Q: Can nurses and assistants deliver the Botox? After all, they’re just injections.

 Many medical spas and clinics out there have a `supervisor’ physician, but Botox in reality is administered by others.

 Yes, it is done, but should you settle for anyone less than a fully-qualified person to take care of your needs? And would you expect the most optimal results?

 Be aware that there are possible side effects to Botox, such as drooping eyebrows and lids. Though such complications rarely occur, they may happen more frequently when the person administering Botox has limited experience and does not understand the complexities of facial anatomy.

 Our advice is to always look for specialized clinics. Find clinics that specialize in Botox and other aesthetic procedures. Here’s a handy tip: if the clinic also provides dermal fillers, this is a very good chance that they actually specialize in this field of cosmetic treatments.

 Good luck!