How would you like to look years younger without going under the knife? Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but they don’t have to prevent you from looking and feeling youthful again. Botox injections are like a fountain of youth – smoothing out your skin and restoring its natural glow. This simple procedure is an easy way to pamper yourself with minimal fuss.

Everyone’s body can use a tune-up now and then, especially as we age. All those years exposed to the sun, perhaps smoking and just plain neglect will eventually catch up with us. Fortunately, modern medicine has made it incredibly easy and affordable to fix minor damage, like wrinkles, with a simple injection of Botox.

Since around the 1980s Botox has been used for an assortment of medical problems. It has been proven safe and effective. The only caveat is that a licensed medical doctor who specializes in dermatology or plastic surgery must perform Botox injections.

Apparently no one told Nohemi “Mimi” Gonzalez, a spa owner who was charged with practicing medicine without a license. According to prosecutors, she tricked more than 100 patients into letting her give them fake Botox injections for over a decade. One victim is believed faced serious health complications that almost lead to a leg amputation. Instead of injecting patients with Botox doctors normally use, she used silicone, prosecutors allege. They are charging her with aggravated assault and practicing medicine without a license.

Gonzalez originally pleaded guilty to the charges in exchange for paying restitution to the victim and being placed on strict probation for 10 years. However, she later decided to reverse her original plea, and the court is allowing the case to go to trial. Her defense attorneys want the tissues of victims to be re-tested, along with the silicone law enforcement seized.

This case highlights the need for patients to be very picky when letting someone inject them with anything. Patients need to be proactive and always check the credentials of the person performing the procedure. A few injections in the face to smooth out a few wrinkles might not seem like much, but the risks of infection and side effects are very real, and only a doctor knows how to minimize those risks.

In a case back in 2010, a woman posing as a doctor, injected victims with cement, mineral oil and even tire sealant. Anyone can claim to be a doctor. This is why patients must research a doctor first.

Here are a few items to look at when searching for a doctor to perform Botox injections:

• Are they a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist?
• Do they have any complaints filed against them?
• Is their medical license in good standing with state and national medical boards?

All this information is publically available online. You can also look at doctor reviews to see what other patients are saying. Finally, meet the doctor face-to-face first for a consultation. Do you feel comfortable with the doctor? Do they answer all your questions? If you have any doubt, it’s time to move on and find someone else.

The plastic surgeons here at Jefferson Facial Plastics are board certified doctors and have decades of experience with many happy clients. Jefferson offers free consultations for new patients to explain the procedure and any risks associated with Botox. Follow-up care is also provided.

Contact Jefferson Facial Plastics today and see how we can safely improve your looks, and give you the confidence and well-being that goes along with healthy skin.