So a practitioner who injects the prescribed targets in the forehead (following the diagrams distributed by the makers of Botox) may not be able to get tailored results for different patients.

Moreover, an injector who doesn't ask, "How was your last injection, what did you like and not like…," or who doesn't analyze the patient's face, along with diagrams of previous injections cannot get consistent, or improved results.

My patients always say I am "diligent" or "pay attention to detail" when I'm injecting. Actually, I am just examining the anatomy of each patient's face, and never hurry.

Questions to Ask the Surgeon

To find the right surgeon for you, I suggest asking the following questions when you call a doctor's office or a medical spa.

• How many years in practice do you have and how long has the doctor/nurse/physician's assistant been injecting Botox? Have you had any malpractice suits?
• Will I receive a free follow-up visit with a touch-up if needed at no additional cost?
• Do you have before and after photos of actual patients?
• How do you handle imperfect results?

3 to 7 Years More Training

Beware of the surgeon who will not discuss his or her experience with imperfect results, including complications, near-misses, touch-ups and revisions. Every surgeon encounters them. So their honesty about these items proves the surgeon has the experience and maturity to treat and improve less-than-perfect results.

A skilled surgeon will examine you with his or her eyes, hands and ears. The doctor should not advise you on improving your looks until the formal examination is completed.

You may want to ask yourself: Who would you rather trust with your face?

A facial plastic or dermatological surgeon who has three to seven years additional training after the M.D. degree and a total understanding of the anatomy of the face?

Or a practitioner who may have taken a weekend course?

Plastic Surgeon Skill

While a family doctor may be great for colds, vaccinations and other general health issues, the specialist is always a better choice. If a plastic surgeon's skill with a scalpel is high, his or her skill with a needle will most likely also be just as good.

Nurses do most of the injections in any busy doctor's office, but make sure you have details on their training if they are also giving Botox injections.

Nurses may be the appropriate choice if you are only getting Botox in the glabella, the area between the eyes, but their training is usually limited in scope and understanding of artistry and the anatomy of the face.

Many nurses have been trained in the practice by the doctor, so you may take that into consideration. But if you want someone who is an artist with the needle, your best bet is always a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist who has a practice that features facial injectables.

Behrooz Torkian, M.D. is the facial plastic surgeon at Torkian Facial Plastic Surgery in Brentwood and Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Torkian is also a clinical instructor at the University of California, Irvine in the division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Torkian is board certified in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) and a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.