Physician Heal (or treat) Thyself
70% of physicians who offer Botox in their practices actually get treated with Botox and half have actually injected themselves! I designed and conducted a survey along with my co-authors on physicians in core specialties regarding Botox and Facial Filler treatments. This survey was published last week in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. Over 6500 doctors from the four specialties were polled including: Facial Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Dermatologic Surgery and Oculoplastic Surgery (these are considered to be the core specialties for facial fillers and neurotoxins by the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety, ).
These astounding statistics speak for themselves. Doctors trust Botox and fillers so much that not only do a majority who offer them in their practices get them, but half of these physicians actually inject themselves. Nothing speaks louder when it comes to trust than findings like this. I am often asked if I would have such – and –such a treatment done on myself or a family member, well here it is.
The third part of this study looked at who else doctors trust to inject them. Two thirds preferred a physician colleague, 27% a Physician’s Assistant, Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner. Additionally, two percent of those surveyed allowed non-medially credentialed individuals to inject them. Why? I have no idea but this is not condoned by any of the above groups. So, if you are wondering about the safety of Botox or Facial Fillers, consider what doctors actually do. Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS.