Who is Administering Your Botox? Why Credentials Matter

For over a decade, Botox has continued to reign as the most sought-after non-invasive procedure to reduce the signs of aging from the face. In the US, Botox ranks as the number one cosmetic anti-aging treatment. Many patients choose to repeat the treatment year after year to maintain the results.

Following the FDA approval for Botox in 2002 for reduction of frown lines, and another FDA approval for reduction of crow’s feet in 2013, Botox treatment has gained more patients. However, one of the key requisites in this procedure is to choose the right physician or surgeon to perform Botox treatment. Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) is a pre-eminent plastic surgeon providing Botox and other procedures to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding areas.

Potency of Botulinum Toxin

Botox is based on a biological substance called botulinum toxin, which is recognized as one of the most potent muscle immobilizing agents. This neurotoxin is injected directly into the overactive muscle on the face that is causing the wrinkle formation. It can immediately cause the muscle to relax and reduce the wrinkle, if administered in precise quantity at the right location.

The challenge is that even a slightest error in the treatment delivery may result in serious side effects. Therefore, it is important to choose only a recognized med spa that is qualified to provide Botox treatment in a safe and professional manner.

Caution Note from the FDA

The FDA has approved Botox as a non-surgical cosmetic procedure to reduce aging signs from the face. However, the Botox label includes a warning from the FDA that states that the effects of botulinum toxin can potentially spread to parts of the face that are away from the injection site, resulting in botulism symptoms.

The FDA also provides an assurance that no occurrence of a confirmed serious case of this nature has been known when Botox injections are administered by a qualified injector in recommended doses. In other words, the FDA warning highlights the need to choose a trained and experienced Botox provider. Dr. Q’s medical spa is premier facility providing Botox treatment to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas.

Choosing a Credentialed Botox Provider

The President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Dr. Michael Edwards, emphasizes on the need to evaluate the credentials of a Botox treatment provider before going ahead with the procedure. Dr. Edwards is of the opinion that when Botox injections are administered by an unqualified provider, it will present risks such as drooping eyebrows. If it happens, the patient’s appearance may worsen instead of improving.

If the Botox injector makes the mistake of administering the medication too close to the mid eyebrow, it can lead to ptosis, which is a condition of drooping or lazy eyelid. Such risks can be reduced to a very low level if Botox treatment is received from an experienced and trained injector. According to Dr. Edwards, a board certified plastic surgeon or another similarly qualified medical professional may be in the best position to perform Botox treatment safely and effectively.

For more information on Plastic Surgery and Non-Surgical Medical Spa Procedures and Treatments in the Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and surrounding areas please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) by clicking here or calling 760-324-2660.