Who is really qualified to inject Botox® and fillers?

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.

What does "Board Certified" mean?

As a board certified plastic surgeon, it is always frustrating when I see a patient who has had surgery "elsewhere" , and they are sure the surgery was done by a plastic surgeon. However, when I look up the credentials, the person is definitely NOT a plastic surgeon!!  How can there be such confusion?

When a person graduates from medical school and has the MD degree (or if they graduate from an osteopathic school with a DO degree), they can choose to call themselves anything they want--I could call myself a brain surgeon if I wanted to, even without any training!  In most states, there isn't a law that says I can't.  I could open my own surgery center in my office, and do all the brain surgery I wanted without anyone telling me that I couldn't.

So what does it mean to be a board certified plastic surgeon, certified by THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY?  It means that after 4 years of medical school, I completed 2 years of plastic surgery training in an accredited program after 3 years of general surgery. Additionally, I completed a one year burn fellowship that was run by the plastic surgery department of the university hospital. After completing the residency, I took a very, very extensive written examination.  A year later, I took an oral examination that lasted 2 days (and yes, I passed).  The examination is very rigorous, and about 20% of examinees fail on their first attempt.

The American Board of Medical Specialties is the governing body that looks at residency programs to make sure that the training is adequate.  Each graduate must meet certain requirements. The boards that are recognized are pretty typical--pediatrics, internal medicine, family medicine, OB/GYN, orthopedics, neurosurgery, ENT, urology, plastic surgery, general surgery, dermatology,  and a few more.  Each one of these specialties has a very rigorous examination process.

There are some "boards" that are not approved or regulated by the American Board of Medical Specialties.  This includes anti-aging, "cosmetic board", liposuction board, and many other sound alike names.

Isn't it funny--no one  pretends to be a brain surgeon without the training. But many physicians try to be a plastic surgeon without the training.

Do your homework. Find a plastic surgeon who is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Be smart. Be safe. www.abplsurg.org

Beauty of Bras

The Huffington Post just posted an article about the benefits of wearing a bra even for flat chested women. Take a look when you get a chance. It is a fun and interesting article!

 

 

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/13/why-women-wear-bras_n_4774248.html?1392297742

Exciting Discounts Coming Soon!

Dr. Bash will be offering amazing discounts this summer. She is having Mother's Day special through the month of May and a Father's Day special through the month of June for her very deserving clients. A 10% discount will be awarded on all surgical and injectable procedures. Yes, that includes Botox and Juvederm too!

Call today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Happy New Year!

Start the new year off right with reinventing yourself and your look. Come into Dr. Bash's office to  see what she can do to create a new and improved you! Call now to schedule an appointment and a complementary consultation with Dr. Bash herself. (602)792-5789

ChristmasBotox Discount---Now until December 31st, 2013

Come in for your Christmas Botox--now just $10/unit until the end of the year.  Remember--to get the desired results from Botox, it takes about 25 units in the crow's feel (12.5 on each side), 25 units in the glabella (frown lines), and 25 or more units in the forehead. Botox takes about 3-7 days to become effective, and will usually last about 3 months.  Come in now and get your Brilliant Distinction points!!!

NEW!! Introducing Voluma injectable

Introducing Voluma, a new product from the makers of Juvederm. Voluma is the only FDA approved injectable for the cheeks, designed to give a slight lift to the nasolabial folds and jowls.  Voluma is a hyaluronic acid (HA, just like Juvederm), but it is slightly more firm and meant for deeper injections.  It will last about 2 years, and takes much LESS product in the cheeks to obtain even better results than Juvederm!!  Call for information and a consultation.