Is an Opthalmologist Qualified to Inject Botox and Fillers?

Ophthalmologists along with Otolaryngologists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons are the core specialists who typically recieve training in the use of Botox. This does not mean that each of these specialists perform this service routinely and therefore you should ask about your physician' s unique experience with Botox injections.

Botox has been used in ophthalmology for years for blepharospasm and strabismus; well before its cosmetic indications.  Drs. Carruthers, a Vancouver couple ophthalmologist and dermatologist, are credited for the discovery of its cosmetic indications.  Ophthalmologists, especially ocular plastic surgeons,  have an excellent knowledge of facial anatomy.  They are well qualified for multiple facial procedures.

Just as the experience of board-certified dermatologist and plastic surgery varies from one to another when it comes to Botox and fillers injection, the same applies to ophthalmologists. You should have a better odd with someone qualified by seeking an oculoplastic surgeon vs. an ophthalmologist.

My suggestion would be to see a highly trained and board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in Botox injections or a similarly qualified dermatologist.  Both specialties have specific training in Botox injections.  Good luck.

We get this type of question often because we have nurses and physician assistants injecting Botox.  The bottom line is that most intelligent and dedicated practitioners that have put much time and effort into studying facial musculature and anatomy and the effects of Botox on the facial musculature are going to be qualified to inject Botox.  The question is not so much about their speciality, but about the dedication to the art and science of injection procedures.

If the practitioner takes the time to get properly trained, they will have satisfied patients and word of mouth referrals will follow.  While not everyone has a friend using Botox, most of us do.  So try asking around to find out who your friends or relatives trust.  Good luck.

The answer is - it depends. I would be hesitant about any doctor without formal training in Botox and filler injections. If the eye doctor you choose has formal training and experience in performing such injections, you should be just fine.

Depending on the training, different physicians may perform these treatments aside from dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Some ophthalmologists are oculoplastic surgeons and do these treatments also. Board certification and great experience in performing the treatments and an understanding of the anatomy are crucial criteria for a physician to be considered qualified. Side effects and complications can occur with any treatment; so, be sure to see a specialist that is known to have great results while being conservative.

Many ophthalmologists are skilled at Botox, Dysport and injectable filler treatments. Much like you would check the credentials of your dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon, make sure that the doctor performing your injections has undergone appropriate training and has experience with the techniques.
Best of luck!

Yes, as long as they have undergone the training. Their general training in the eye area and vicinity of the eyes makes them familiarized with the anatomy of the face. Injecting in the face does require training for any kind of physician.
In essence it is the training and experience of the injector that is more important than their actual medical specialty.
Regards

Dear Snowball
The better question is given my choices who is the best person to go to in my area. Generally, the best choice will be a physician or surgeon is the so-called aesthetic core: Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology (including facial plastics), and ophthalmology (including oculoplastics). That does not mean that say a family practitioner can't safely perform these services. So much depends on the individual. However, doctors board certified from the aesthetic core will in general be better choices.
Another excellent option is to look at liquidfacelift.com which is a site dedicated to practitioners who believe in minimally invasive treatments and are invited to participate with this panel by virtue of the depth of experience with these services.