Advice from Albuquerque: BOTOX® Should Come From a Skin-Focused Practice

Dermatologists and their staffs know skin. So when men and women want a skin-based treatment, such as BOTOX^®, Albuquerque’s Western Dermatology Consultants recommends choosing a skin-focused provider with care.

This message comes as the popularity of cosmetic treatments continues to grow—especially BOTOX^®, which regularly dominates lists of the most popular cosmetic treatments performed in the United States and world. Patients are increasingly turning to not just BOTOX^®, which relaxes muscles to smooth out wrinkles caused by repetitive contractions, but dermal fillers and chemical peels for their rejuvenating effects.

Increased interest in BOTOX^® and its fellow cosmetic treatments has also triggered increased availability in the popular products. Western Dermatology Consultants is led by three dermatologists who head up an experienced team serving two practices and a spa, but not every facility where BOTOX^® is available is similarly staffed. That’s why the Albuquerque doctors want to emphasize the importance of the selection process when it comes to picking a provider.

Patients can be generally assured of quality care when they pick a medical practice for their services, and choosing a specialist helps. In addition to the schooling and work experience necessary to earning a medical degree, many dermatologists are voluntarily certified by boards that have stringent requirements of their own. Add to that the fact that the manufacturers of many cosmetic products and treatments, such as BOTOX^®, require that providers undergo training specific to the products themselves.

As doctors, dermatologists undergo extensive education and rigorous training and testing. The American Academy of Dermatology, citing the New England Journal of Medicine, reports that claims against dermatologists are proportionally among the lowest of all medical specialties. There are many factors contributing to that statistic, but it may indicate that dermatologists are one of the safest choices when it comes to doctors.

While many members of the medical industry can take the necessary steps to administer BOTOX^® and other treatments, only dermatologists and their staffs are focused solely on skin health and beauty, giving them unique insight into how a range of skin care products can interact with an individual’s features to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and spots.

On the other hand, someone like a dentist may be technically able to offer BOTOX^®, but does not have the skin-related education or experience vital to the treatment. While the treatment may be safe and effective, a dermatologist can draw on specialty training and knowledge to carefully administer the injectable to maximize aesthetic results. The difference can be between looking overly done and enjoying subtle, natural-looking results that provide a rejuvenating effect.

Anyone considering BOTOX^® or similar name-brand products should take great care in getting assurance that the provider uses that specific product—and only that specific product—for the treatment. Injectables and other cosmetic treatments are formulated for specific results and doses. They are not interchangeable, and frequently come packaged with language and safety features indicating that they are from a reputable manufacturer that adheres to strict quality control standards. BOTOX^® maker Allergan is also very upfront about the research that went into developing the injectable, as well as the safety profile and known risks related to treatments. All of this should be transparent for any patient who wants to know more.

With that in mind, Western Dermatology Consultants advises patients to use a consultation as time to ask questions, then only choose to move forward with the treatment if those questions have been answered to their satisfaction. Double check that the product being requested is the product being used, explore the provider’s background and experience—especially with the specific treatment being considered—get thoroughly educated on potential side effects and necessary after care, and discuss what results can be reasonably expected.

To learn more about what to look for when seeking treatments like BOTOX®, contact Albuquerque’s SPA @ WDC at (505) 855-9267. For more information, call Western Dermatology Consultants at (505) 855-5503 or (505) 897-1313.