(www.livelywomen.com) — Now, you know that unnecessary cosmetic procedures freak me out, but not everyone’s as squeamish as I am when it comes to needles and incisions. And as easy and inexpensive as dermal fillers (read: stuff you inject under the skin to improve your appearance), I can understand the popularity.
If you think dermal fillers might be right for you, says Dr. Mitchell Chasin of Reflections Center for Skin & Body in New Jersey, you need to make an informed choice. “There are a plethora of dermal fillers available today, each with specific uses and advantages. The competence and aesthetic vision of the physician who will be injecting the product is critical in ensuring that the end result of the procedure will produce an enjoyable, natural looking result,” he says.
Here are Dr. Chasin’s top 10 questions to ask your doctor before making a final decision:
- Are you a licensed physician?
- What are the best injectables/fillers for the end result I’m trying to achieve?
- How does the injectable/filler work?
- Are there any side effects or risks associated with this injectable/filler?
- How much does this procedure cost?
- How much of the filler will you be injecting, and in what areas? (NOTE: This is important information needed should you move or decide to switch physicians, as it allows your new doctor to provide the adequate dosage for maintenance purposes.)
- How often will I need to return to maintain my results?
- Should I expect any pain or discomfort?
- Can I expect any downtime from this procedure?
- May I see before and after pictures, and/or speak to patients you’ve treated?
Dr. Chasin urges patients to be smart consumers. “You wouldn’t invest in a car without doing some research first, so why would you allow a physician who you know little or nothing about to perform cosmetic treatments on your face, the first thing people see when they look at you?”
He also encourages people to find an experienced physician who specializes in the treatment you want. “It is important to seek care from a practitioner who is comfortable injecting all of the fillers – such as Restylane, Juvederm, Sculptra and Radiesse – and not someone who dabbles in the field. This allows the physician to tailor the treatment to the patient’s specific needs.”
Sounds like good logic to me!
Have you used a dermal filler? Were you satisfied with the results? Tell us about it! Leave a comment.
