Have you ever wondered why prices vary so much on Botox®? Have
you ever wondered why your less expensive Botox® didn’t last very long? Neurotoxins such at Botox can only be
purchased from the manufacturer or a licensed distributer. Very inexpensive product can be
purchased over the internet from foreign countries (which is illegal) and may
be counterfeit.
Prices are usually higher if the plastic surgeon is doing
the injections. The board certified plastic surgeon has
the most training and expertise to handle any problems that could occur.
In the state of Arizona, the following licensed professionals
may inject Botox® or dermal fillers:
- MD
- DO
- Naturopathic physician (NMD)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)—does not require supervision by a doctor
Per the Arizona Board of Nursing,
a licensed RN in Arizona may inject if:
- The can show they have taken a course on injection and have adequate training
- They have immediate access by phone with the supervising MD or DO
- AND that supervising physician is available in person within 4 hours when requested by the nurse or the patient.
If you are having injections done in a med spa by someone
who is not a physician, always ask who is doing the injections (RN, NP, etc.)
and ask about their qualifications. Who is the medical director? What is the
medical director’s specialty, and what is their board certification? Does the
doctor also do the injections? Can the medical director handle any
complications?
Be safe. Be
smart. Ask.