Everyone loves a good bargain. But when it comes to shopping for BOTOX® injections and facial fillers in Washington, DC, you get what you pay for.
Bargain hunting for beauty treatments is a dangerous and risky game you don’t want to play. What you save in dollars can cost you your safety, and your health should always be valued higher than any minor monetary discounts.
If you’re considering a nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatment like BOTOX or fillers, there are many things to take into consideration in addition to the price of your treatment, including the skill of your injector, their credentials and reputation, and their education and experience. So, before you pick the lowest price in town, remember:
Injectables are medical treatments and can have dangerous consequences if not used properly.
Many people don’t realize that minimally invasive aesthetic procedures are much more than a beauty treatment. They are medical procedures that, even when used perfectly, come with associated risks. These products are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy, and should only be used by a trained professional who can explain the benefits and risks and perform your treatment correctly.
Practices offering prices that are too good to be true may be using a substitute product, or even importing the product illegally.
If you dig into the deep, dark corners of the internet, it’s not uncommon to find knock-off BOTOX or filler products at unbelievable prices. Sometimes, even so-called “medical spas” sell these imitation products at a drastically reduced price. But don’t be fooled: These products are unregulated, illegitimate, and should never be used. They are either diluted down from their original form or contain cheap, filler ingredients that have no business being anywhere in your body.
Cheaper prices may also indicate that the injector lacks the knowledge and experience required for a safe procedure and good results.
It may sound like something out of a movie, but there are criminals who pose as doctors and perform injectable treatments with absolutely no training or experience. These individuals may host “BOTOX parties” and sell an imitation product for extremely cheap. However, they are not a licensed medical professional and are only looking to make a profit. That’s why you should always inquire into your injector’s education, training, and experience.
Dangers of Bargain Shopping
When you choose the lowest-priced injector, you put yourself at a greater risk for complications. BOTOX in particular (as well as other neuromodulator products) can be especially dangerous in the wrong hands. That’s because BOTOX injections affect the facial muscles and require an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy to be performed correctly. When placed improperly, BOTOX can result in nerve damage, infection, and even facial paralysis.
How to Know You’re Receiving a Quality Product
Before booking your BOTOX or filler treatment, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re receiving a safe procedure and quality product.
1. Do your research. One of the first things you can do is research a board-certified dermatologist to perform your injections. Board-certified dermatologists have extensive training and experience in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails and are held to the highest standards of quality and ethics.
In addition to browsing an injector’s credentials on their website, you can also look through their before-and-after photo gallery to get a general idea of their skill and aesthetic preferences.
2. Inquire about the product. Once you’ve made an appointment and are ready for treatment, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask more about the product before your procedure. It’s also acceptable to ask for more information about the types of fillers on offer and what makes a particular filler a better choice over another.
3. Get a referral. Word-of-mouth referrals from a trusted friend, family member, or colleague are still an excellent way to find a qualified injector near you. Just make sure than in addition to having a glowing review from your loved one, they have all the necessary education and training.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to learn more about BOTOX, fillers, or my credentials as a board-certified dermatologist, please contact us today. You can also look through my before-and-after photo gallery to see some of my patients who have had BOTOX or filler injections.
Leave a Reply