Looking Gorgeous: Forbes.com, Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse

beautiful woman flipping curly hair

This was the title of an article from Forbes.com that I was quoted in: Looking Gorgeous: What Women Won’t Give Up. I have been lucky to have had very good media exposure in the past, including recent mentions in Vogue, More and New York Magazines. However, all I’m asked lately is how the economy has affected business.  Cosmetic surgery and other aesthetic treatments such as Botox and Facial fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Cosmoderm,  Perlane, Sculptra, Evolence) really can be categorized as luxury items. Given the state of the economy, people are becoming more choosey about what they do and should be more choosey about who they go to.  I did send discount cards to many of my recent Botox and Filler patients. I apologize if we missed you; my lists aren’t totally up to date. If you were left out, just mention this blog when you come in for treatment and we will honor the same discount for the next 6 months.

My offering a discount was quoted in Crain’s in the February 16-22 issue. Or should I say misquoted. I did say that “I sent out discount cards to my loyal patients.” However, during the interview I also qualified that by stating that this discount was JUST for Botox and fillers. Surgery is a more personal issue. It should not be about negotiating fees. I feel that once you find the surgeon who you trust, it should be more about getting the right result from a specialist instead of discount surgery. If you go elsewhere and get discount surgery, will you also be getting a discount result?

I feel the same about fillers and Botox. Any doctor can purchase Botox legally, even dentists! The physicians with the most experience using Botox and Facial fillers are termed “core specialists.” These include Plastic Surgeons, Facial Plastic Surgeons, Cosmetic Dermatologists and Oculoplastic Surgeons.  There is a website with information called the Physician Coalition for Injectable Safety. Treatments are now offered by Family Physicians, OB-GYN’s and many other specialists. And yes, dentists too. Don’t get me wrong, I know a few primary care and GYN docs who are excellent practioners of facial injections. They have advanced training and perform many of these treatments. It’s the doctors who only perform these treatments occasionally and learned at a one day for profit course you should steer clear of.

So first and foremost, it’s your face. Do you really want to skimp? Make sure your physician has the proper training and experience. If they give you a nice discount, GREAT. If not, is it really worth saving money to have a less than ideal result?