Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures because of its anti-aging properties, quick procedure time, and virtually nonexistent recovery period. A Botox injection can be done on your lunch break, and you can return to your normal activities immediately after you leave. The Botox injection softens the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles by relaxing the underlying muscles and in turn the skin above it. Before you have a Botox treatment, however, here are a few questions to ask your plastic surgeon, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
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Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
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Were you specifically trained in the field of plastic surgery?
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Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
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Am I a good candidate for Botulinum Toxin?
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What will be expected of me to get the best results?
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Who will perform the Botulinum Toxin injections?
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Have they been specifiaclly trained in this procedure?
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Where and how will you perform my procedure or treatment?
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How long of a recovery period can I expect?
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What are the risks and possible complications associated with my procedure?
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How can I expect to look over time?
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Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure
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What results are reasonable for me?
Many doctors outside of the plastic surgery specialty are certified to perform Botox, even if their usual practice is something as unrelated as dentistry. The certification process to perform Botox is not comprehensive, so it is best to get your Botox from a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. These surgeons have years of training and experience with the muscles and tissues of the face, and are able to place the injections with expertise and skill that you wont find outside of the specialty.
Asking for before-and-after photos is also a good idea because it can give you an idea of what kind of results to expect. Of course, everyones face is different and will respond differently to the treatment, but photos allow you to see whether or not the surgeon tends to over-treat, or if the results are generally natural looking.
If you have any questions about Botox or want to schedule a consultation in Northern Virginia, please call our offices at (703) 574-2588.