August Newsletter
Who are the experts in facial anti-aging injectable treatments?
Facial anti-aging injectable treatments including the use of neuromodulators (wrinkle relaxers) and fillers have risen tremendously over the past decade. Over the past year the number of procedures performed increased by …. The rise in popularity is based on several factors:
- Minimally-invasive
- Low post-procedure downtime
- Reversible and/or temporary results
- More affordable compared to surgery
The same factors that contributed to the popularity of these procedures have also accounted for the rise of non-physicians or non-qualified physicians in performing facial anti-aging injections. Concerns are raised as to whether these individuals are adequately trained in the appropriate placement and selection of products depending on the areas treated, knowledge of the underlying facial anatomy, and understanding of possible complications and how to correct them. Complications from inappropriate placement can range anywhere from facial paralysis, eyelid droop, or intra-arterial injections leading to pseudoaneurysm development, ulcer formation, stroke, and blindness.
Dermatologists Leading the Way
A recent study titled “Who are the Pioneers? A Critical Analysis of Innovation and Expertise in Cutaneous Non-Invasive Procedures” by Omar A. Ibrahimi, MD, PhD, reviewed all published research to determine which medical specialties have the most advances in cosmetic treatments. For facial injectables, dermatologists were shown to be the leading innovators. According to Dr. Ibrahimi, the “data show the overwhelming majority of pioneering research in wrinkle-relaxers and fillers has been done by dermatologists. They are the leading innovators. Patients will know they are in the best hands with a dermatologist.”
Buyer Beware
There are a few important questions to ask your medical provider before undergoing a cosmetic procedure.
- Who will perform the procedure?
- Is there a physician on site?
- Is the physician board-certified in dermatology or another specialty with equivalent training or experience?
- Was an initial evaluation provided to determine if the technique or procedure is appropriate for your skin type?
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