For my second week in ISM 2, I focused my efforts on my second research assessment. Last week, I did my article over a dermal filler, but this time I did my research assessment on the botulinum toxin instead.
The botulinum toxin (Botox) is a neuromodulator that limits the movement of muscles in order to reduce wrinkles on the face. It is an extremely popular injection that is used in the realm of facial plastic surgery. Through this assessment, I wanted to specifically hone in on how it works and the areas of the face that the toxin targets. After reading my article and completing the assessment, I saw many topics that I had seen before both in person and through my previous assessments.
First, throughout the article, the reference towards having realistic patient and physician understandings was mentioned. This was a question that I remember asking during my research interviews last year and that I have discussed with Dr. Cain as well. It is such an important part of the plastic surgery consultation and I was intrigued to find out that it was mentioned in this article as well. Furthermore, what I found interesting was that the article also talks about giving the patient a mirror in order for them to point out where on their face they would like to see improvement. This was also another example of a piece of information that was mentioned in the article that I had witnessed first hand. Each mentor visit I go on, Dr. Cain hands the patient a mirror and asks them to discuss what procedure and improvement they would like. Although it may seem obvious, I love watching this interaction play out in front of me so I can witness the way Dr. Cain affirms their worries while also providing an adequate response that would provide for a satisfactory experience for the patient. Through watching Dr. Cain, I view exactly how to respond to the patient’s needs by coming off as a knowledgeable physician instead of an overly sales-focused plastic surgeon.
In conclusion, although my research assessment discussed many facets of Botox, the first-person implications it discussed were also beneficial in regards to fundamental facial plastic surgery interactions.