Confession: I like Botox. I do. And I have a great source in Dr. Jack Berdy, SmoothMED,111 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022. Ph / 212-371-SMOO (7666). Everything about dealing with Dr. Berdy is painless from making the appointment (or just walking in cold off the street, as I often do) to the discussion about what I want to achieve (Dr. Berdy listens attentively when I speak and offers realistic and kind advice) to the procedure itself. Painless – even down to the way in which Dr. Berdy injects the Botox. He is a master of precision and, I daresay, artistry. He does not erase my facial expression and makes me look younger, refreshed and, well, better than I had before I entered his office.
Unfortunately, things have conspired against my getting to NY to see Dr. Berdy. “I’ll get there,” I’d think, as I applied my makeup to my increasingly furrowed forehead. This became a daily, albeit an unfulfilled, mantra. So – and don’t tell Dr. Berdy – I looked for someone a bit more convenient and found a medical spa that offers Botox, fillers, laser hair removal, vein removal, massage, facials, liposuction, microdermabrasion, etc. I called for an appointment.
Me: Hi. I’d like to schedule an appointment for Botox.
Spa: Ok. Can you come in on Wednesday?
Me: Uh, sure, but can you tell me if the doctor is board certified?
Spa: Yes, he is. What’s a good time on Wednesday?
Me: Sometime in the afternoon would be great. And, roughly how long has the doctor been giving Botox injections?
Spa: He’s very practiced. Let’s see, is 1:00 good?
Me: Yes. And he’s board certified, right?
Spa: Yes. May I have your email?
Me: Sure. I’d like to speak with the doctor before doing the Botox though. Can you schedule me for a consultation possibly followed by a treatment?
Spa: No problem. But 1:00 won’t work now. How about 2:00?
Me: Fine. So I’ll see you at 2:00 on Wednesday for Botox.
Spa: Oh, you want Botox? Well the doctor isn’t in on Wednesdays.
Me: Huh, but you just said … Uh, ok. I’ll call back.
No I won’t, I think. I’ll get to Dr. Berdy this weekend.
Yeah, well that didn’t happen. I asked several friends for their recommendations but they offered nothing. I called the spa again.
Me: Hi. I’d like to schedule an appointment for when the doctor is in. I’d like a consultation for Botox.
Spa: Ok, let me get my book. Let’s see … Oh, you’re in luck. The doctor only comes in a few days a month, but he’s here on Wednesday. Does that work for you?
Me: Wednesday? I thought he doesn’t work on Wednesdays, but yeah. That works. Can you tell me if he’s board certified?
Spa: I’m not at liberty to discuss the doctor’s background over the phone.
Me: Really? You can’t even tell me if he’s board certified? Isn’t that something everyone asks?
Spa: No, and no, they don’t. But you can consult with him before to see if you’re comfortable. How’s 2:00?
Me: Two’s fine. Um, I’m a little concerned about ptosis. How does the doctor deal with ptosis? (Ptosis is drooping of the eyelid and is a concern with Botox. I’ve read that it can occur with even the most practiced professional but knowledge of facial anatomy and musculature can sharply reduce the incidence.)
Spa: Oh he’s very good with ptosis. A lot of his patients have ptosis. (Wow. I resisted the temptation to ask if the doctor gave any of his patients ptosis, recognizing that I was speaking with an idiot. There was no way I was going through with this appointment, but I bashed on, curious to see where the conversation would go.)
Me: Ok, I do have a couple of more questions though. So, the doctor comes to you a couple of times a month, right?
Spa: Yes.
Me: Does he go to other cosmetic surgery offices and give Botox and filler injections there?
Spa: Oh no. He only does Botox and filler here.
Me: Oh. What does he do the rest of the time?
Spa: You can speak with him during your consultation. I can sense you’re not comfortable but I assure you, he’s very good.
Me: I’m sure he is, but can you tell me what kind of doctor he is? (I was just about to tell her that I was canceling the appointment. And then she answered …)
Spa: He’s a vet.
Ok, she didn’t really say that. I made that up – but she might as well have said it because the kind of doctor he is does not work on faces at all. His specialty is much lower, anatomically speaking, and while he may very well have been trained to give Botox injections, he doesn’t do it regularly and I was not about to trust my face to him. I cancelled the appointment.
I’m certain I can find a local doctor who can serviceably and even expertly administer Botox. But I need to feel comfortable. I need to have my questions about the doctor’s expertise answered BEFORE I book my appointment. I want to know if the doctor is board certified and what that certification is. I want to know how often the doctor gives Botox injections. Of course I don’t need a specific number but I want to know if I am the doctor’s first, or even hundredth Botox patient. This is my face we’re talking about. And, I know, I know – there are no guarantees that you’ll get the result you desire. There are risks. But I want to minimize those risks as much as possible and one way to do that is to choose a doctor who, according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, is “trained and qualified in facial plastic surgery. The human face has a complex anatomy and the surgeon must be familiar with the physiology and function of more than 40 muscles present in the face.” And, sorry Botox-party planners, givers and attendees: “Choose the appropriate setting for treatment: Botox® injections are medical procedures and should be performed in the presence of trained medical personnel and proper equipment to deal with potential complications. All injections should be performed using sterile techniques and proper disposal of needles and syringes is necessary.” Heed that, all you reality TV stars who get your Botox poolside while juggling drinks and hors d’oeuvres at Botox parties.
I will get to Dr. Berdy sometime. As soon as I’m finished writing this, I’m going to call Ashley, Dr. Berdy’s professional, patient and knowledgeable assistant to book an appointment. Maybe he can take me next Wednesday at 2.
Read my other posts on Botox: Botox Does Double Duty – Can Botox change your mood as it changes your facial expression?
Botox Redux or Talking About Teeth – Yes, Botox has dental applications too. I speak with Dr. Nick Mobilia, one of NYC’s premiere cosmetic dentists to learn all about it.
Just get your little tush into the city already!! You really dodged a bullet at that spa.
I know. It was a case of “buyer beware” – and my reason for writing the post. Ask questions, get answers and be an educated consumer. (And, little? Lol! Thanks!)
Mel, I am so amazed at your thoroughness and tenacity. That was incredibly well presented. You’re too beautiful and talented to accept anything less than the best. So you didn’t. A lot of people wouldn’t have gone all the way with this. You dramatically demonstrated the importance of consumer knowledge and confidence.
Sari – You got it! Of course! It’s all about consumer knowledge and confidence. Thanks for summing it up so succinctly. (And honestly, it took no bravery. Dr. Berdy is amazing. No pain, all gain.)
Haha! I laughed out loud in the lounge I’m currently sitting when I read “vet”! Too funny! You do an excellent job pointing out all the necessary questions one should ask before seeking this type of procedure. Should you ask anything else? Also, when is a good time to start doing Botox? Does it prevent the onset of wrinkles or just shrink them after you have them? I’m pretty sure Kim K gets Botox and she is only 30.
Glad you liked the post! The most important things to ask are about the doctor’s board certifications, how long he or she has been performing the procedure and for a list of references. You can also ask about downtime, possible side effects, contraindications with any medications or supplements you are taking. Those answers are readily found on the internet whereas it’s more difficult to check out a doctor online. I think the best time to begin Botox is when you really need it, depending on why you’re using it, of course. I’ve read that it can help prevent wrinkles by preventing the facial expressions that causes those wrinkles. In my opinion, there’s not enough history with the product to know if this is correct. If Botox was available for cosmetic use when I was in my 20s and 30s, I would not have used it. Botox is not only for wrinkles though. It has applications for dental use, for migraines and excessive sweating. It was initially used for muscle spasms and still is. It received FDA approval for cosmetic use about 9 year ago, I believe. Hope this helps. Thanks for reading – and for commenting.