Botox and dermal fillers are among the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world and when done properly, they can be safe, effective, and confidence-boosting. But they are still medical procedures, involving prescription medications and injections into delicate facial anatomy. Before you sit back in the chair, here are five essential things every patient should know.

1. Credentials Matter and So Do the Laws

Not everyone wearing a white coat is a physician. Each state has specific laws governing who is legally allowed to inject Botox and fillers, and under what level of supervision. Make sure the person treating you is properly licensed to perform injections in your state.
In California, cosmetic injections may legally be performed by MDs, DOs, PAs, RNs, and NPs but not by estheticians. Don’t hesitate to ask about your injector’s credentials; this isn’t rude, it’s responsible.

2. Training Isn’t Created Equal

There is a big difference between comprehensive medical training and a brief cosmetic course. Some injectors receive their education through accredited medical residencies or fellowships that include years of anatomy, diagnosis, and complication management. Others may learn through short vendor-led trainings or weekend courses. Ask where and how your injector was trained. Depth of education matters when working around nerves, blood vessels, and muscles of the face.

3. Experience Counts

Experience is more than just time it’s volume and variety. How long has the injector been treating patients? How often do they perform these procedures? A provider who injects faces daily will naturally develop a better eye, steadier technique, and stronger pattern recognition than someone who does it occasionally.

4. Physician Oversight Should Be Meaningful

If your treatment is performed by a non-physician, ask whether a physician is onsite and actively supervising. Also ask about that physician’s background. Is the supervising doctor trained in dermatology or plastic surgery, or are they in an unrelated specialty and located far away or even out of state? Real oversight means immediate availability and relevant expertise, not just a name on paper.

5. Have a Plan for Complications

Even in expert hands, complications can occur. The question isn’t if something could go wrong it’s what happens if it does. Is your injector trained to recognize and manage complications like vascular occlusion or asymmetry? If not, is there someone immediately available who is? A safe practice has protocols, medications, and expertise ready when needed.

The Expert Approach to Botox and Fillers at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

This isn’t about criticizing who provides aesthetic treatments, it’s about empowering patients to ask the right questions. Botox and fillers can be wonderful when done thoughtfully and safely. An informed patient is a safer patient, and safety should always be the most beautiful outcome of all.

Exceptional Results Begin with Trusted Medical Expertise

If you are considering Botox and fillers, choose experience, transparency, and medical expertise.

Request an appointment today and take the next step toward confident, natural-looking results.

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.