I want to bring to your attention today the importance of selecting a qualified expert for your Botox , and all injectable, treatments. As you surely are aware, today many different types of medical professionals are offering Botox and other injectables to their patients. With so many sources available that provide the same FDA approved product, it is absolutely no wonder that patients "shop around" before they decide who to see for their Botox injections.

At Burnett Plastic Surgery we get calls every day about Botox injections, most of them unfortunately inquiring primarily about cost. While this of course is a reasonable question, Botox is not a commodity. We worry that patients are losing sight of the importance of knowing the expertise, qualifications, and experience of the doctor you choose to provide your injections. Patients may inadvertently expose themselves to unwanted side-effects and health risks if they select only the lowest-cost-provider. So here are a few tips on getting the best and most cost-effective results from your Botox experience.

1. Experience Matters. In the hands of an experienced injector, such as a board-certified plastic surgeon, your procedure will seem simple and you will experience minimal discomfort. The injector's understanding of the muscles in the face and body is essential for a safe and successful procedure.

2. Become Fully Informed.It is important for you to take an active role in your treatment, and have realistic expectations of results. Please use this list of questions as a starting point for your initial consultation.

   • Am I a good candidate for Botox?
   • Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?
   • Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for the procedure I am undergoing?
   • Do you recommend numbing cream?
   • What will be the costs associated with my treatment?
   • What will you expect of me to get the best results?
   • What kind of recovery period can I expect and when can I resume normal activities?
   • What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
   • How are complications handled?
3. Be Safety-Conscious. While you may see advertisements for Botox in salons, spas and maybe a party or two, Botox is a real medical procedure, with the potential to cause serious problems, even death. In trained hands, Botox problems are usually minor things like bruising or the occasional asymmetric eyebrow. Most of the bigger problems have resulted from injections of large amounts in the neck. This toxin can travel to the muscles that control swallowing and coughing and aspiration of food and pneumonia can result. These complications are rare, but they do underscore the fact that getting Botox is not like getting a facial or a massage. It is a medical procedure that should be performed in a medical office, a heavily regulated environment designed to assure patient safety and privacy.

At Burnett Plastic Surgery we are proud of our experience and expertise. In fact, the maker of Botox, Allergan, has selected me to train other doctors on how to properly use and apply all their products. Our patients are healthy and satisfied with their results. If you have any other questions, please feel free to call or email our office.