Over four million
Botox treatments were administered in 2015, a massive growth since it first came on the market as a cosmetic treatment in 2002.  So if it seems like everyone is getting Botox, it’s because they probably are! And it’s not just celebrities and the well-to-do, either. Everyone from middle class moms to 30-something bachelors are jumping on the Botox bandwagon because it works!

But with the good comes the bad, as seen in news stories about fake Botox clinics. This can make it very difficult, even daunting, to take the plunge and feel like you’re in good hands.  This is why we’ve assembled this guide to help you research Botox providers in your area.  It is our hope that this will help you get the best possible results while avoiding unnecessary risks associated with under-qualified Botox providers.

Where Should I Go to Get Botox? – A Botox Safety FAQ

How Do I Choose a Botox Clinic?

Are you ready to try Botox?  Before you pick up the phone and schedule an appointment, we encourage researching local providers to determine their experience, reputation and medical training.  Here’s what you should be looking for:

  • Experience: We suggest looking for an aesthetic injector who has been thoroughly trained on advanced injection techniques and someone who has administered your desired treatment with great success. Before and after photos are a great way to see a potential provider’s work!
  • Reputation: A quick online search may reveal a practice’s reputation among past and current patients. Although an occasional bad review can be found at even the best medical and aesthetics practices, look for overall positive experiences and feedback as a guide in determining whether or not a particular medical aesthetics practice is right for you.  
  • Medical Training: Always look for a practice where the injectors are medically trained and licensed. At Skin by Lovely, all of our Injection Specialists are medically licensed to administer your Botox treatment.

Who Can Give Botox Injections?

In most states, the law governs that only physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and registered nurses are permitted to provide injectable treatments. Botox is a prescription medication that can cause serious side effects to patients when administered improperly or to patients who have certain medical conditions, such as allergies or other prescriptions that may interact with the Botox treatment.

Can an Aesthetician Inject Botox?

The laws governing injectables vary from state to state. We suggest researching the law of whatever state you reside in prior to choosing an aesthetics provider.

In California, an aesthetician is not legally allowed to inject Botox and fillers.

In Oregon, however, an aesthetician is legally permitted to administer injectables, under the supervision of a physician. However, as you will see in the video below, physician supervision is often minimal. Furthermore, aesthetician training is limited to general skin care at beauty schools, while physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and registered nurses have studied medicine and anatomy and have obtained degrees from accredited universities.

At Skin by Lovely, our clinical staff is comprised of licensed injectors who are nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses.

Can I Buy Botox Online?

Botox is a prescription medication. This means that a licensed medical provider working in a licensed facility must purchase Botox directly from Allergan, the makers of Botox and Juvederm.  However, we are aware that many injectable treatments, including Botox, are for sale online.

Buying Botox without a prescription is illegal. Furthermore, buying Botox online can be incredibly unsafe. What is available online may not be regulated, and many are actually different brands, sub-par quality products and can even result in serious side effects due to additives and toxic chemicals that have been added to the product. There is just no accountability.

To top it off, licensed medical providers would never inject Botox that was illegally purchased online. Experts in the field work with quality medical suppliers, and injecting yourself is absolutely not recommended. As you begin to search for anti-aging solutions, don’t resort to DIY Botox or online scams. Instead, use the advice above to seek out a professional who can deliver safe and attractive results.

Skin by Lovely is a Top Rated Botox Practice

“Where should I go to get Botox?”  While there are many places where you can get Botox, make sure you visit an aesthetic injection specialist with the reputation, credentials and experience to deliver amazing results. Our experts at Skin by Lovely, with locations in Portland, Oregon, and Santa Monica, California, offer a wealth of experience.  Contact us today for a consultation!