How Do I Know if my Doctor is Doing Proper Botox Injections?

I watched my doctor administer Botox and Juvederm injections to my upper lip for "smokers lines," and smile enhancement.

She seems scrutinizing, but what is she looking for and how do I know if she is going through appropriate measures?

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by tojilll in Boston, Ma.

Doctor Answers (11)
Community Comments (0)

Botox and fillers to lips

Each doctor injects fillers and botox a bit differently. Around the mouth seeing the lips pursed helps determine where the botox should be injected to soften the lines.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Correct administration of Botox

Hi Tojill, Normally, if your practitioner is scrutinizing your face and asking you to smile, pucker, etc. then they are trying to determine what to inject, how much to inject and where to inject it. Injection treatments are as much art as they are science and analyzing the skin tissue and facial musculature during treatment is very common. Ultimately the results will determine if your practitioner is doing the right thing for you. If the results are good and the price is acceptable, you... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

4 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

Look at Botox results

I think the answer is simple: Make sure you have a qualified physician doing the injection for you. Most importantly is the result; if you have a good consistent result that you like, it means that your doctor is doing a fine job.

Do you like your results?

Having an art backround I spend a stupid amount of time doing botox and fillers. I sit patients up and down, have them lean forward and back. This tells me what I need to do. Not everyone is as neurotic about fillers. However, what is important is what you think of your results. If you're happy go back to her. If not go to someone else next time.

Check their credentials and look in the mirror

Since you have already had the procedure, the first thing to consider is: do you like your result? The result from a Botox injection should last about 3 months. The result from Juvederm should last about 6 months. You should make sure that your doctor is using the genuine products. Also, if the price is too cheap, be suspicious of excessive dilution (watering down) of the Botox. I hope you find this information helpful. Good luck.

Make sure you are going to a qualified injector

With Botox, as with any plastic surgery procedure, make sure you are going to a qualified person. Be very cautious with Botox injections around your mouth as an "overdose" can cause significant, but temporary, problems with your smile and with eating.

Finding the right physician is crucial

I agree with the other comments made on this question. If you want your car fixed, you don't just take it to any old mechanic. You usually get a referral from a friend, do a review on google, ask around. Then, if you are happy, you return to the same mechanic in the future. If you are unsure about your choice, maybe you just get an oil change and "try it out." This is, in my opinion, a similar approach to choosing your physician. Look for a reputable plastic surgeon or... more

Do your homework

In recent years, it seems as if people do more research on what flat screen TV, car, or camera to buy, than on who is doing their cosmetic injections. Almost daily I see poor results or unnecessary complications from uncertified or inexperienced injectors who are trying to get quick cash. First and foremost, go to an expert. Board certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and oculoplastic surgeons inject about 90% of all Botox. There is a reason for that: their residency training for... more

If you love your results, you have the right doctor

Dear Tojilll There are many different ways to perform BOTOX and Juvederm treatments. However, you are the best judge of the results. If you love the effect created by your doctor, then you are good. If you are not satisfied with the results, find a new treating physician. There is no lack of physicians and surgeons who perform these services. Credentials are important but more important is the actual work performed by the doctor.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Results are usually what matters

Hello tojill Like any procedure in medicine, there are many ways to evaluate and inject Botox and fillers. Experienced physicians will develop an eye for what the patient's concerns are and decide whether Botox or fillers can help. The patient has a vote in how full the lips should be and exactly what they want out of a filler like Juvederm. In the end, patients judge the results. If they are happy they come back and also tell their friends.