The decision to undergo BOTOX Cosmetic treatments is one that should be carefully considered. The immensely popular anti-wrinkle treatment can produce excellent results when performed by a highly trained injector. Patients who get BOTOX injections at our Washington, D.C. practice are extremely happy with the outcomes.
However, there are scores of misconceptions about its safety and efficacy.
The reality is that BOTOX is as safe as aspirin and as effective as (if not more than) any other cosmetic dermatology treatment on the market. If you’re looking to restore your youthful appearance and are considering these injections, contact Washington, D.C., dermatologist and skin expert Dr. Melda Isaac of MI Skin Dermatology Center with your questions to determine if BOTOX is right for you.
What You Should Ask About BOTOX
In fact, before asking Dr. Isaac about BOTOX as an effective wrinkle treatment, ask yourself the following 4 questions:
Is Your BOTOX Injector Qualified?
This is the most important question. If you don’t get an adequate answer to it, then consider another doctor.
Be very careful when selecting a practitioner to administer your treatment. BOTOX injections are not considered a major medical procedure, which means that many injectors are not medical professionals. Do your due diligence and verify the credentials and qualifications of your practitioner.
We strongly recommend having a medical professional like Dr. Isaac perform any cosmetic dermatology treatment, but you should still ask about experience, training, and techniques. Ask specific questions, such as how he or she can give you a natural arch in your brow or how he or she would treat or even prevent unwanted side effects, should they occur.
To separate those with expert BOTOX injections skills from those with so-so ones, ask about the specific muscles affected by injections and what to expect. You also should ask how much you’ll actually need and where you’ll be injected. For example, getting injections to minimize crow’s feet requires a delicate, skilled touch in precise locations at the corners of the eyes. Only after you’ve talked to your doctor and discussed your goals and expectations can it be determined how many injections are required for effective wrinkle treatment.
What you’re looking for with these questions are answers that show knowledge and experience. Although we know everything has a first time, this is not the time to be someone’s first BOTOX patient.
Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?
This is probably a question you ask when making any significant choice or decision, and it’s no different in this case. Your doctor should provide very specific answers about your unique circumstances. But only you can decide whether the risks, such as unwanted side effects or complications, are enough to cancel the positives.
Some BOTOX patients have experienced post-procedure headaches, bruising, nausea, redness, or unsatisfactory results. Ask your doctor to show you several BOTOX before-and-after photos of her patients to see for yourself how others have fared. Do they look unnatural? Or are the effects beautiful and natural-looking?
Your reaction to the wrinkle-erasing injections will obviously be unique and not related to what others have experienced (good or bad). You should be aware of the risks, however, so that you’re mentally prepared before the treatment.
Are You Prepared to Maintain Your Results?
As beautiful as they are, the effects of BOTOX injections are not permanent. Depending on your goals, as well as the results from your first treatment session, you may have to undergo injections every three to six months to maintain their youthful effects. For this reason, the BOTOX cost can become considerable and, for some, prohibitive. Furthermore, continued wrinkle treatment takes time from your busy schedule. Is this something you can afford?
The good news about undergoing regular maintenance is that, as time passes, fewer injections are needed to keep up the results. Plus, the effects often surpass the expected duration as you continue.
Many patients in Washington, D.C., consider injectable wrinkle treatments an investment in themselves, which might be something to consider for yourself, as well. In other words, is it the right decision for you going forward, not just this one time?
Should I Get Fillers Instead?
The answer depends on the types of wrinkles being treated—dynamic wrinkles or static wrinkles. Simply put, if dynamic wrinkles are causing you angst, BOTOX is your choice. If you’re concerned about static wrinkles, then dermal fillers (such as Juvederm or Restylane) are your best bet.
Dynamic wrinkles are those caused by the facial muscles used when smiling or frowning. BOTOX is effective wrinkle treatment in these cases because the injections block the nerve impulses that cause muscle movement, relaxing your muscles and smoothing out your facial wrinkles and creases. Conversely, static wrinkles, such as nasolabial lines, are those seen when your face is at rest, for which dermal fillers are usually the better choice because they “fill in” those lines for a smoother looking face.
In some cases, combining BOTOX with a dermal filler in one session at our Washington, DC practice, can enhance the effects of both.
It’s essential that you ask questions about BOTOX if it is the wrinkle treatment you are considering to help restore your youthful looks. It’s your face—indeed, your entire appearance—that’s on the line, so make sure to ask these four questions (and any more you have) when considering BOTOX injections.
Learn about other aesthetic uses for BOTOX at WebMD.com.
Got More Questions? MI Skin Dermatology Center Has the Answers
If you’re thinking about getting BOTOX injections for cosmetic or medical reasons, Dr. Isaac and the rest of the Washington, DC staff at MI Skin Dermatology Center not only can provide answers but also administer the safest, most effective wrinkle treatment you can find. For a consultation, call us today at (202) 393-7546 or request a consultation online.
Leave a Reply