Botox and injectable filler treatments are a safe and effective way to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and obtain fuller lips. That is, of course, when the procedure is performed correctly. Unfortunately many patients are being tricked by the allure of so called “experts” offering lower prices. Seminars are being offered to doctors and sometimes individuals who are non-licensed professionals. They promise that attendees will be able to incorporate injectable treatments into their practice in a matter of hours. These people then go on to perform the procedure without having undergone a full, proper training.
While it is not an overly complicated procedure, it is important that the person performing the injections is certified and well trained. There are many factors that come into play when performing a botulinum or dermal filler injection. Injectors need to know proper injection techniques and injection placement. They need to know how to make the experience painless. The technique should involve little time. The longer the doctor takes to inject the site, the more pain and swelling will occur. Training should also involve how to make a patient feel comfortable as well as extensive knowledge of possible side effects that can occur.
Negative effects can occur when an injector is not properly trained, such as droopy eyelids and other unattractive effects to the patient’s appearance. Watch out for frozen features, where the face appears to not move at all, or the constantly surprised look. As a rule, you should never go to someone based solely on an inexpensive “Botox special.” As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Another common mistake that is made is when too much or too little saline is used in the Botox solution. Saline is used to bring the vial of Botox powder back to a liquid state. Anywhere from 1cc, 2cc, 2.5cc, 4cc, 5cc or more can be added per 100 units of the powder. The trick is using just the right amount. At The Naderi Center, 2cc is used because it is very concentrated but has enough volume to be able to inject the full length of the muscle. Anything less will not be enough to affect the whole muscle. 4cc or more, which is what some doctors and spas use, will contain too much water and disperse the solution to other unintended locations.
Dr. Naderi is a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon as well as a clinical instructor for Allergan and Medicis. He also has his own courses in which he teaches other doctors and dermatologists how to inject Botox, Dysport and other dermal fillers properly. Patients seeking treatment by a skilled professional should contact The Naderi Center at (703) 481-0002.
