“Where and Who Should I Go to for My Injectable Treatments?”
If you're considering injectable treatments like Botox, Dysport, Sculptra, or dermal fillers, you’ve likely asked yourself, "Who is the right person to perform these treatments, and where should I go?"
With options ranging from plastic surgeons and dermatologists to medspas and licensed aesthetic injectors, it can be confusing to determine what’s best for you.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of these different providers and help you make an informed decision. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right provider for your injectables.
Plastic Surgeon: The Surgical Expert
Pros:
Expert in anatomy: Plastic surgeons undergo extensive training in facial anatomy and surgical techniques. This can be a major advantage if you’re considering more invasive procedures or combining injectables with surgical options.
Comprehensive options: Many plastic surgeons offer injectables alongside surgical options, so if you're thinking about a facelift or other more invasive treatments, this could be a convenient all-in-one solution.
Access to comprehensive treatments: If you're considering more invasive procedures down the line, plastic surgeons can provide a wide range of services beyond injectables, including surgical facelifts, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and other aesthetic enhancements.
Customization: Because plastic surgeons often deal with complex facial surgeries, they tend to offer very personalized and detailed approaches to each patient, ensuring that the treatments align with overall facial harmony.
Cons:
Cost: Going to a plastic surgeon for non-surgical treatments like Botox/Dysport for wrinkle treatment or fillers for jawline or cheek augmentation can be more expensive compared to other options, as their services generally come with a higher price point.
Availability: Because plastic surgeons often have a high demand for surgical procedures, they may not be as readily available for aesthetic treatments like injectables. This can lead to longer wait times.
Expertise: Because of their highly specialized and in-depth training, plastic surgeons typically want to practice… well, surgery! Many surgeons may not have in-depth or recurring experience with injectable treatments due to their overall preference for surgical treatments.
Best for: Individuals looking for complex facial rejuvenation treatments or those considering combining surgery with injectables; individuals willing to pay a higher cost for injectable treatments; individuals who prefer to have a highly specialized medical doctor as their provider
Dermatologist: Skin-Focused Expertise
Pros:
Specialized in skin health: Dermatologists are highly trained in skin conditions and treatments. They can provide valuable insight into how injectables will affect your skin, particularly if you have conditions like acne, rosacea, or hyperpigmentation.
Comprehensive care: Many dermatologists offer a mix of medical and cosmetic treatments. If you’re dealing with both medical skin issues (such as acne or rosacea) and cosmetic concerns, a dermatologist may offer a more holistic treatment plan.
Trust in medical settings: Like plastic surgeons, dermatologists typically work in medical settings, which can provide a sense of trust and security for patients who prefer a more clinical approach.
Cons:
Limited focus on aesthetics: While dermatologists have vast knowledge about the skin, not all are highly specialized in aesthetic treatments. Their primary focus is often medical skin conditions rather than cosmetic enhancements.
Less experience with facial balancing: Dermatologists may not be as experienced with techniques like facial balancing through fillers or more advanced techniques used for contouring the face.
Cost: Like plastic surgeons, dermatologists tend to charge more for injectables, often reflecting their medical expertise.
Accessibility: Dermatologists often have very long waitlists for an appointment.
Best for: Those with underlying skin conditions looking for a medical professional to provide injectables in a skin-focused setting.
Medspa: A Comprehensive Aesthetic Experience
Pros:
Specialized in aesthetics: Medspas are often fully dedicated to non-surgical aesthetic treatments, including injectables like Botox, Dysport, Sculptra, and dermal fillers. Providers at medspas are typically well-versed in aesthetic procedures and may be more experienced with advanced techniques like facial balancing, jawline contouring, and cheek enhancement.
Relaxing environment: Medspas provide a spa-like experience, making treatments more comfortable and enjoyable in a warm environment that is appears less like a medical clinic.
Affordability: Medspas can offer a more affordable option compared to plastic surgeons or dermatologists, while still providing high-quality aesthetic treatments.
Range of services: Medspas offer a wide variety of treatments beyond injectables, including skin tightening, facials, and collagen stimulators like Sculptra. This allows clients to create comprehensive treatment plans for their aesthetic goals.
Cons:
Varied experience levels: While many medspas employ highly skilled injectors, experience levels can vary. It’s important to choose a medspa with licensed, experienced professionals who understand facial anatomy and aesthetic balance.
Less medical focus: While medspas excel at aesthetic treatments, they may not be the best option for those with medical skin conditions that require a dermatologist’s expertise.
Too many services offered: There are many medspas that have menus the size of world maps. Offering too many choices to an individual can be confusing and overwhelming, leading the individual to believe they may not specialize in any particular area.
Best for: Individuals seeking a dedicated, non-surgical aesthetic experience in a professional but relaxing environment.
LICENSED, AESTHETIC Injector: Personalized and Specialized Care
Pros:
Highly personalized care: Private licensed injectors often run small practices and can offer a more personalized approach to your aesthetic goals. They typically spend more time understanding your needs and concerns. Many clients prefer the more intimate, personalized care that comes from seeing the same injector consistently for all treatments.
Focused on injectables: Licensed injectors often specialize solely in injectables and injectable-based treatments, giving them deep expertise in these areas. Many private injectors are nurse practitioners, registered nurses, or physician assistants with extensive training in facial aesthetics.
Flexible Scheduling: Private injectors may offer more flexibility in scheduling, making it easier for clients with busy schedules to get treatments without long wait times.
Lean menu: Because there is oftentimes just one individual running the injectable practice, their services tend to be lean, concentrated, and highly focused, allowing the individual to feel comfortable that their in the right hands of someone who does injectables with frequency and consistency.
Cons:
Smaller range of services: Since private injectors often run smaller operations, they may not offer the broad range of services you would find at a medspa or a dermatologist's office. For example, they may not provide additional skincare treatments like laser therapy or skin tightening.
Varying levels of training: Not all private injectors have the same level of training or medical background, so it’s essential to research the injector’s qualifications before booking a treatment.
Best for: Those looking for personalized care and injectables performed by an experienced injector who focuses specifically on facial aesthetics; those who prefer to see the same injector at every visit; those who prioritize schedule flexibility; those who want a very intimate experience and prefer to have a provider who knows them thoroughly.
Which Provider Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the right provider depends on your personal preferences, aesthetic goals, and budget. For those seeking a Botox/Dysport treatment to smooth forehead wrinkles or dermal fillers to address volume loss, each option has its pros and cons.
At Clemens Face + Body in Coolidge Corner, Boston, we offer the expertise of a private injectable studio, with a lead licensed injector that specializes in aesthetic treatments and who has a decade-long experience working in medicine. Her experience is honed by training from esteemed plastic surgeons, cosmetic dermatologists, and other world-renowned injectors. With a specialized background in endocrinology, Jo brings her knowledge and expertise in hormonal health and internal medicine to provide highly customized, in-depth treatments. Whether you're interested in facial balancing, wrinkle treatments, anti-aging interventions, or addressing fine lines and wrinkles, we’re here to guide you through the process.
If you're in the Boston area and looking for high-quality, personalized care, visit Clemens Face + Body in Coolidge Corner, Brookline for expert Botox, Dysport, and dermal filler treatments.
