Beauty is important. Health and safety are necessary.
Obviously, we're all about the latest minimally invasive beauty treatments, including Botox and its alternatives. That said, we beg you — be safe. Before you let anyone stab you with a needle, do your research. Ensure that they have the necessary training and that their clinic is set up to handle any complications.
But you — we assume — are not a certified medical aesthetics professional. That's why we've got your back. In addition to some information about risks, we've provided you with a list of the questions to ask before getting Botox injections, fillers, or anything else that involves people approaching your gorgeous face with sharp implements.
The Potential Dangers of Botox and Fillers
Botox Injections can be a great way to reduce wrinkles, improve the appearance your skin, and even alleviate medical conditions such as migraines. However, it is important to understand that there are potential risks and contraindications.
The most common side effects of Botox injections include pain, bruising, and skin color changes around the injection site. Less common but more serious risks include infection, drooping eyelids or eyebrows, flu-like symptoms, temporary facial weakness or paralysis, and vision problems. It is also possible for the injected material to migrate outside of the intended area.
The fillers that will give you that lush pout you crave also come with risks, the most serious of which is vascular occlusion, i.e., the blocking of a vein. Without immediate, proper treatment, this can lead to catastrophic consequences, including necrosis.
Lip fillers are injections of synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA), and more common issues include infection, bruising, uneven results, and migration of the filler toward the nose.
The Questions to Ask Your Injector
Enough with the scary stuff. Let's talk about how you can protect yourself and find a qualified provider.
Ensure that your injector has the necessary training and experience in administering injections. They need to have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and be able to recognize any signs or symptoms of an adverse reaction.
Ask these questions before getting Botox or fillers.
What is your medical training background?
Aesthetic training isn't enough, though some institutions may offer combined medical and aesthetic programs. Make sure that they have the necessary background.
What relevant certifications do you hold?
In addition to basic training, you want someone who has studied the exact treatment you would like and attained relevant credentials.
What is your experience with this type of injection? How many treatments have you performed?
Don't let yourself be the guinea pig. You don't get cool points for volunteering your face to novice providers.
How will you ensure my safety?
The person administering your injection should be able to explain their safety protocols and procedures in detail. This includes things like using single-use needles and syringes. They should also use an aseptic technique when preparing and administering injections. In Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT), the provider only touches the sterilized area with the needle, defending against contamination.
Do you keep hyaluronidase on the premises?
This one only applies to fillers, and it's absolutely vital. Hyaluronidase dissolves hyaluronic acid. If something goes wrong, a trained professional can inject hyaluronidase into the site. It can literally save your life in extreme cases and can also repair most botched jobs.
Do you have a policy for touch-ups if I am unsatisfied with my results?
Injections can be expensive, and you deserve to get the best results for your dollars. Many injectors offer policies for touch-ups or repairs at a discount. It's better to have a more conservative practitioner who's willing to work with you if you're still unsatisfied when the final results are in.
Don't Be Minnesota Nice About Injections
Injections come with real risks, and you need injectors with real training who take real precautions. You may want your results to be dramatic — but only in the right way.
This is not the time or place to be accommodating. Get pushy! No provider who's worth a darn will fault you for checking on their credentials or begrudge you a detailed conversation about safety and any related concerns.
If you're interested in Botox or fillers and want to know about our own credentials, experience, and practices, contact us and ask! We'd love to talk about how you can achieve the best possible results safely.