What questions to ask the clinic to ensue Botox is coming from the company & not being mixed down?

When considering Botox injections, it's important to ensure the product's authenticity and the qualifications of the person administering it. Here are some questions and considerations to help guide your decision:

Source of Botox:
Ask, "Can you confirm that the Botox used in this clinic is sourced directly from the manufacturer, Allergan?"
Request to see the packaging or labels to verify the authenticity of the product.

Dilution Practices:
Inquire, "How do you ensure the Botox is not diluted beyond the recommended guidelines?"
Ask about the clinic’s standard dilution practices and how they align with manufacturer recommendations.

Provider Qualifications:
Ask, "What are the qualifications of the person who will be administering the Botox?"
Verify whether the injector is a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or another qualified healthcare professional.

Experience and Training:
Inquire about the injector’s experience, "How many years have you been performing Botox injections, and do you have any specialized training or certifications?"

Safety and Protocols:
Ask about the safety protocols in place, "What measures do you take to ensure patient safety and manage any potential complications?"

Price Differences:
Discuss the pricing, "Can you explain the difference in pricing between your clinic and others, and what factors contribute to the cost per unit?"

Consultation:
Ensure a thorough consultation is provided, "Will there be a consultation prior to the procedure to discuss my goals and any potential risks?"

Regarding the choice between a medical doctor and other certified professionals:
Medical Doctor Preference: While other healthcare professionals can be highly skilled, choosing a board-certified medical doctor for Botox can provide additional assurance due to their extensive medical training and understanding of facial anatomy. A doctor can also better handle any complications that might arise.

By asking these questions and considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about where to receive your Botox injections.

Hello and thank you for your question. There are currently 5 FDA approved neuromodulators available in the United States. These include Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau and Daxxify. Oftentimes, neuromodulators are referred to as Botox since that is what is most familiar, however any of these 5 may be used. Some of these products are more expensive than others, so ask about which specific product you will be getting. In our practice we bring in the actual box with vial so patients can see the exact neuromodulator they are receiving. If you are worried about it being mixed down, you can ask how they reconstitute their neuromodulators. This will be variable based on area of the face (or body) being treated, as well as the size of the vial and specific neuromodulator being used. For a standard 100-unit Botox vial, the diluent should definitely be no more than 2.5mL which is what is recommended in the package insert from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that you are also paying for the injector's skill and experience, so it is normal for there to be slight variation in pricing. Hope this helps! Esther Litenatsky AGACNP-BC on behalf of Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein MD, facial plastic surgeon in Newburgh, NY and Montvale, NJ.

To add to the above well explained rights that you have as a patient, each accredited practice that is purchasing the product directly from the manufacturer or the distributor will be listed in the company's roster. So lets say you would like Botox, you go to the manufacturer's website, Allergan, and you can search providers by the zip. It will only show providers who are 1) purchasing directly from the manufacturer and 2) have a license to do so. But, if you want to be extra sure, when in clinic, you can ask to see the license or bottle.