A best practices guide for Botox or Dysport cosmetic injectable treatments was released last week by the International Association of Physicians for Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM). The release of the guide, which includes recommendations from aesthetic medicine and dermatology experts, coincides with three new IAPAM hands-on programs to train physicians in the injection of Botulinum toxins (Botox and Dysport) and dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane).

Consultants to the guide include Richard Foxx, MD; Steven Fagien, MD, FACS; Jennifer Linder, MD; Eric Berger, MD; and Steven Jepson, MD; among others.

The consensus recommendations of the doctors surveyed includes the following:

– The patient consultation prior to the procedure is critical to a successful outcome;
– Before and after photographs are essential to demonstrate to the patient the changes that have occurred;
– Know your anatomy. This the key to proper injection placement and always inject based on anatomy;
– Watch someone else work and receive “hands-on training;
– Never oversell the longevity of the effect of Botox. Tell patients that, on average, the Botox will last about three months;
– Only buy cosmetic injectables from the FDA licensed manufacturer, not third parties or the internet;

The IAPAM has developed different levels of its new program to appeal to physicians with limited injection experience, physicians with some injection experience will then want to attend its "Botox & Dermal Filler Bootcamp," and physicians with 6 months of injection experience may attend the IAPAM Advanced Dermal Filler training program.

The programs are available in the US and Canada. For more information, visit the IAPAM Web site.

[Source: IAPAM]