# Botox Questions Worth Asking Before You Book
A board-certified plastic surgeon breaks down the real criteria for choosing where to get Botox injections, moving beyond marketing and into legitimate safety considerations.
The credential that matters most: board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Many practitioners call themselves "cosmetic surgeons" without this qualification. Dermatologists and nurses can inject Botox legally in most states, but plastic surgeons have specific training in facial anatomy and aesthetic proportions. This matters because injector skill directly affects results.
Key questions to ask before booking: How many Botox treatments has this provider administered? What's their complication rate? Can they show before-and-after photos from actual patients? Red flags include providers who guarantee results, pressure you to buy packages upfront, or seem offended by your questions.
The consultation matters more than the location. Whether you choose a plastic surgeon's office, a dermatology clinic, or a medical spa, the injector's experience determines outcomes. A less experienced injector at a fancy clinic produces worse results than a skilled one in a modest setting.
Botox takes two weeks to fully settle, and results last three to four months on average. Pricing varies widely (typically $10 to $20 per unit, with most people needing 20 to 60 units per session), so cost alone doesn't indicate quality.
Real side effects exist beyond bruising. Botox can cause droopy eyelids, asymmetrical results, or a frozen appearance if placed incorrectly or in excessive amounts. These complications fade as the product metabolizes, but prevention beats correction.
The choice between practitioners often comes down to comfort. You need someone who listens to your goals, explains the procedure clearly, and respects your boundaries around how much correction you want. Trust your instincts about whether