Best Doctor for Dermal Fillers?

Question

Is it better to go to a Dermatologist or a Plastic Surgeon for things like Restylane and other fillers?I am particularly interested in Nasolabial folds without a nerve block, because I recently had a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon hit a nerve during a dental block with severe complications.Would a dermatologist have more understanding of facial nerves?  Just curious as to how to find the best doctor.  Thank you!

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The specialty does not matter as much as the training and experience of the individual doctor. You should ask around and find out from friends etc someone who is known to be good. Also, you can use numbing cream before you go for injections and that would avoid any need for nerve blocks.
Click below on a link for information and then 'Botox and Filler Instructions' on how to prepare for filller injections.
Regards

Joel Schlessinger, MD · Answer

There are many specialties that cross the spectrum of what we call 'Cosmetic surgery' and some are better at some things than others.  Anatomy should cut across all specialties, but keep in mind that knowing anatomy doesn't translate into doing a good job in injecting or numbing.
In fact, you can know a whole lot and do a lousy job of getting a patient numbed.  Having said that, I would hope that the more educated a physician, the better job overall they would do. 
In our office, we don't even find the need for nerve blocks as I add the injection medicine to the syringe of filler and use a super potent topical numbing medicine along with a very slow and steady technique.  Usually, our patients who have done blocks in other offices or ours before we developed this technique ask to NEVER get a block again.
So, you see, there are many things to consider here.  One other, by the way, is that you should always insist that the doctor do the injecting.  If they are farming it out to a nurse or PA, stay away!  Good luck.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Your question is a politically loaded one, and so you will get a variety of answers. First, I am sorry to hear that you had difficulty after the nerve blocks, but it is unlikely to be related to the specialty-specific training that your doctor had; in order to "hit" the nerve, he had to know where it was and of course that is where the block needs to be placed. Complications from nerve blocks are extremely rare. Secondly, there are a variety of clinicians who are skilled at injecting. I supervise several RN injectors who do it all day every day and so their experience is vastly greater than many of the doctors who assert that only MD's should inject. It comes down to dedication to the art of aesthetic medicine more than the specialty background.

David C. Mabrie, MD · Answer

Thank you for your
question. I'm sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience.

Board-certified
dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and nurses alike can be highly skilled at
injecting dermal fillers. In either case, it's crucial to choose a professional
known for his or her extensive knowledge and passion for facial anatomy. As a
double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in the face and
neck, I use my training to provide my patients with the highest level of care.
You deserve the same.

I would caution you
against making your choice based on the least expensive option, but rather use
the resources available to choose a facial specialist known for doing quality
work. After all, you're putting your most valuable asset in their hands! YouTube
can be a valuable tool because it allows you to see the doctor's work
firsthand. I hope you'll use my Channel of an example of what to look for.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

An experienced physician who does a lot of dermal fillers is the best person for you to have this done.  A dermatologist or a plastic surgeon is well qualified to perform these types of injections.

Best Doctor for Dermal Fillers?

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Answer: Choose a Facial Specialist

Answer: Best to see physician who does a lot of dermal fillers.

Answer: Best to see physician who does a lot of dermal fillers.

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Best Doctor for Dermal Fillers?

Answers (8)

Answer: Choose a Facial Specialist

Answer: Choose a Facial Specialist

Answer: Best to see physician who does a lot of dermal fillers.

Answer: Best to see physician who does a lot of dermal fillers.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Restylane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.