10 Questions To Bring To Your First Appointment With Your Neurotoxin Injector
If you’ve been quietly considering neurotoxin treatments or other injectables lately, you’re definitely not alone.
The American Academy of Plastic Surgeons found that demand for facial plastic surgery and other aesthetic procedures like injectable neurotoxins rose in both 2021 and 2022. 82% of 2022 procedures were minimally invasive, with the three most common being neurotoxins, fillers and topicals like chemical peels.
But interestingly, the RESULTS most patients seek are changing. And that’s probably true for what you want out of your ideal injection regimen, too.
The big-lipped “trout pout”? Out. 👋
The glass-smooth “frozen forehead”? Officially over. ❌
These days, when it comes to injectable fillers and neurotoxins, both celebs and us plebes regular folks are gravitating toward a more natural, undetectable result.
Experience, technique and choice of neurotoxin are important factors to help you achieve and maintain natural-looking results. Especially if it’s your first time getting injected – or you’re looking for a new injector to work with - you’ll want to carefully vet your health care practitioner.
Here are 10 questions you should bring to your first appointment (usually a consultation) with a potential injector:
Pay attention to how they answer these Qs — especially #10.
1. How long have you been an injector and do you have any specialized training?
You’re looking for a practitioner who’s got significant experience working with all ages, skin types and concerns.
If they’ve been injecting for years, it might be a good idea to choose someone who’s recently completed an updated training since products and methods for injection improve all the time – and seasoned injectors with satisfied patients are most likely regularly investing in ongoing education. Calling the health care practitioner’s office or checking out their social media should inform you of their experience and training.
2. What are the potential side effects from neurotoxins?
Temporary swelling, bruising or redness can be common after getting injected – and any experienced injector will prepare you for this. Unexpected side effects may occur from time to time, and your injector should be able to clearly communicate their experience with a patient who had an adverse event. However, most adverse events are relatively minor and temporary. Still, it’s an important conversation to have prior to treatment. A responsible injector will advise you of the risks associated with neurotoxins, as well as the safety profile of the product you choose to get injected with. All neurotoxins have this boxed warning, as required by the FDA.
While most side effects are both mild and temporary, it’s still good to get a sense of what your injector will tell you to expect after treatment — so you can weigh the risks and benefits for yourself.
3. What kind of maintenance schedule would you recommend for best results?
A great injector will counter this question by asking about the results you’d like to achieve. Then they’ll work with you to create a schedule for maintaining the results you want. When it comes to neurotox treatments, you’ll typically see your injector 3-4 times per year. You should not receive neurotoxin injections more than once every 90 days.
Keep in mind that any treatment plan depends on a variety of factors, including the depth of your wrinkles, your current skincare regimen, your age, your skin type, genetics and your lifestyle.
4. If I choose not to receive future injections, what will I look like?
The effects of neurotoxin injections are temporary, with affected muscles becoming more mobile (a.k.a. return of those visible lines) within a 3-4 month window. It’s up to you should you choose to get re-injected or not. If you opt not to get retreated, expect to see results similar to how you looked prior to treatment.
5. What percentage of repeat patients do you have?
This question is SUPER important because it speaks to patient satisfaction.
If an injector has a strong track record of return patients, that’s a great sign that they do excellent work.
On the flip side, if an injector or med-spa is constantly running new-client specials (but their practice and/or staff haven’t expanded to serve returning patients), they may be relying on a constant influx of new patients to stay in business rather than keeping past clients coming back in for repeat treatments.
6. What’s your preferred treatment outcome?
Some injectors take a conservative approach. Others a more liberal one. It’s important to talk to your injector prior to treatment to get a sense of their particular approach. For example, if you’re aiming for that elusive “I can’t put my finger on why, but you look amazing” effect, you want a fresh, not overdone result and that means a more conservative approach to your injections. If you prefer a more frozen look, communicate that to your injector so they can adjust their technique and neurotoxin choice.
Keep in mind that natural-looking results are achieved by carefully monitoring the amount of toxin injected and the injection schedule. Your injections can be carefully customized to your face, your goals and your budget.
And speaking of natural-looking results, each neurotoxin delivers a slightly different effect. Do your research to find one that matches your desired result. And definitely ask your injector what they recommend based on your desired outcome.
7. Does my medical history raise any red flags or concerns for you?
Tell your healthcare provider your medical history, including all medical conditions, especially if you have any muscle or nerve conditions, as these can increase risks of serious side effects. Also let them know if you received any other botulinum toxin product in the past and whether you had any side effects from treatment; and if you have have plans to have surgery; weakness of forehead muscles; drooping eyelids; had surgery on your face; are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Also tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
8. Which neurotoxin and how many units would you recommend?
Not all toxins are created equal. Nor are they interchangeable. Each brand of injectable neurotoxin offers pros, cons and places on the face where it’s approved for treatment.
Your injector will recommend the neurotoxin treatment that’s best suited to achieve your desired results.
9. How should I prepare for my appointment? Anything I need to avoid?
First, be sure you haven’t been treated with any neurotoxin in the last 90 days. Next, ask your injector how they recommend you prepare for treatment. A qualified injector will give you a list of activities and substances (often including alcohol, caffeine, NSAIDs, fish oils and blood thinners) to avoid before your injection appointment. Sometimes, you’ll need to cut these things out up to a week in advance.
Some injectors will go a step further and recommend cutting out dietary inflammatories like salt and spicy foods. And some might even warn you not to exercise for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
And an important note about post-treatment safety: Should you experience a loss of strength or general muscle weakness, vision problems or dizziness, which can happen hours to weeks after receiving neurotoxin, this may be a sign of a serious risk. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities. Call your injector or get medical help right away.
10. Is there anything else I should know?
Because you’re building a relationship with your injector, you want to make sure you feel comfortable having an open dialogue with them. By asking this question, you give your injector the chance to share their own experiences that you may not yet be aware of, as well as deepen the trust between you.
We especially like the “any questions you wish patients would ask” approach, because it shows your injector you respect their opinion and expertise. It can also help jog their memory if there’s any information they haven’t shared yet.
Ready to head to your consultation? Hit Ctrl-P or bookmark this link to have this list of questions handy.
Remember, you get to decide who injects you with neurotoxin and when. Don’t rush into choosing an injector based on price or convenience alone.
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