21 Sep 2023 | by Leonard Miller, MD, FACS, FRCS
Neurotoxins such as Botox® and dermal fillers are the two most popular non-surgical procedures in this country according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In fact, injectables, which is the overall term for both procedures, have become so commonplace that many patients forget that it is a medical procedure, and needs to be considered with care because, in unqualified hands, complications can arise from both. This is why it is extremely important to research the qualifications of an injector so that you can decide who should do your injectable treatment. Just because your dentist or gynecologist or qualified nurse can legally administer Botox® does not mean that he or she should.
At the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, we pride ourselves on the skill, training, and expertise of our staff. While there are plenty of talented nurse injectors, there are still certain advantages to seeing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon such as Dr. Doherty or myself.
Understanding Facial Anatomy and Aesthetics
The fact that we have three Board-Certified doctors on staff is a point of pride for a reason. Attaining this certification requires intense:
- Education
- On-going training
- Years of experience
All of which culminates in a comprehensive and deep understanding of the task at hand. What this means for you vis-a-vis injectables is that when a surgeon or dermatologist is board-certified, you can rest assured that he or she has a deep understanding of facial anatomy. This is critical when it comes to delivering a safe, natural looking result. Those of us here at Boston Center for Plastic Surgery have spent years studying facial proportions and harmony. We know exactly where to place the neurotoxin or dermal filler so that it augments your natural beauty, and rejuvenates your face without making you look “done”. The fact that plastic surgeons are restoring ones youthful and natural appearance with surgery will result in their increased ability and expertise to create the right look with injectables.
More Training = Fewer Complications
The other crucial advantage of choosing an injector with a lot of experience is that it helps reduce your risk of developing a complication. As mentioned, Botox® or Restylane®/Juvederm® may be commonplace, but they are still a medical procedure. Some of the risks from an improperly placed dermal filler include:
- Skin eruptions
- Compromised tissue that may result in a permanent scar
- Infection
- Ulcerations from lack of blood flow
- Asymmetry
- Lumps and palpable filler
- Persistent puffiness
Misplaced filler near the eyes can even result in blindness. With neurotoxins, the most common risks are:
- Headache
- Temporary drooping
- Asymmetry
At the BCCFR, it is our job to make you look refreshed without causing harm. You may experience some mild bruising or redness at the injection site, but these typically resolve on their own within 24 hours to a week.
See more patients »Our Doctors Are Involved in Development of New Fillers
Another feather in our cap is that the doctors at our practice are actually involved in the scientific and clinical development of new fillers for the marketplace. This means that we truly understand the science behind each of the various fillers that we offer our Boston area patients. Since each different filler and/or neurotoxin has its own unique pros and cons, knowing how they work gives us a huge advantage in terms of choosing the right one or ones for your individual anatomy and needs. For us, an appropriate injectable is one that rejuvenates the area in question while also delivering the longest lasting result possible. In addition, our doctors teach proper filler technique locally, and from the podium at national and international meetings to further educate other plastic surgeons and dermatologists.
Our Practice Offers Full Range of Treatment Options
Another advantage of choosing an injector who is part of practice like Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, is that we offer our patients the full range of treatment options from non-surgical to surgical. The reason that this matters is that if you go to a med spa, for example, that only offers injectables then that is what you are going to get even if it is not the right procedure to deliver on your goals. Botox® and dermal fillers can definitely help to turn-back-the-clock. However, they cannot lift skin that has really begun to droop. This is why, depending on your needs, we may combine your injectables treatment with another non-surgical procedure such as:
- Fat grafting to the face
- Lasers and other energy-based treatments
- Thread Lifts
Or a surgical procedure such as:
We will always be honest with you about what a procedure can and cannot deliver because we don’t want you to waste your time, money and energy getting something that will not make you happy. To find out more about an injectables treatment with Botox® and/or dermal fillers, or any surgical or non-surgical procedure with our physicians at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, check out our website or call (617) 735- 8735 to schedule a consultation.
