When visiting a plastic surgeon, dermatologist or medical spa for skin treatments like Botox, laser procedures or wrinkle-filling injections, consider these 5 essential tips:

DO RESEARCH

Find out who owns the med spa and make sure a doctor with plastic surgery or dermatology training is performing or overseeing trained professionals such as nurses and estheticians. Read online reviews and confirm licensing if applicable.

SET UP A CONSULTATION

Discuss treatment options, benefits, risks, how long it will last and cost. Receive a medical exam from a doctor and ask to speak with clients who’ve had the same procedure you’re seeking. If a provider balks, walk away. Receive at least one treatment before prepaying for a package and confirm the company’s cancellation policy.

INSIST ON MEDICAL OVERSIGHT

If a medical doctor isn’t performing the procedure — and you’re OK with this — at least know where the physician will be in case of emergency.

REQUEST TO SEE PACKAGING

Make sure all injectable products are FDA approved. For example, look for “Botox Cosmetic” by Allergan or “Dysport” by Medicis, the only botulism products FDA approved for cosmetic use. Offshore injectables aren’t worth the risks of disfigurement or even death.

KNOW THAT IF IT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS

Low prices can indicate that the service provider doesn’t have proper training, uses diluted injectables or administers a non-FDA approved drug.