Botox has never been easier to find in Chicago. There are med spas on every corner of the West Loop, River North and Lincoln Park, and offers on every feed. But Botox is a medical treatment placed in your face, and the result depends almost entirely on the person holding the syringe.
After 22 years in cosmetic and medical dermatology and over 100,000 aesthetic procedures, our founder Sangini Patel, M.S., PA-C, has a clear view of what separates a great injector from a busy one. Here are eight things to look for.
1. A licensed medical provider, with real credentials
In Illinois, Botox should be administered by a licensed medical professional, such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse working under appropriate supervision. Ask who will treat you, what their license is, and how long they have been injecting.
At LIV, injectables are performed by Sangini, a board-certified Physician Assistant (NCCPA) practicing since 2004 (22 years), and by our nurse injector Brenda Torres, BSN, RN.
2. Years of experience, not just certificates
A weekend course can teach the basics. It can't teach the judgment that comes from treating thousands of faces: how anatomy varies, how a heavy brow responds, when a patient needs fewer units rather than more.
Ask how long your injector has been treating patients, and how much of their week is spent injecting. Experience shows up in the details, and patients notice. "She knows the perfect recipe for exactly what I am looking for and I love how she strategically places each unit," one of our patients wrote.
3. A real consultation before any needle
A good injector watches your face move. They ask you to frown, smile and raise your brows, look at your symmetry, ask what bothers you, and explain their plan before they start. If your appointment goes straight from the waiting room to the needle, that is a red flag.
4. A natural aesthetic you can see in their patients
Look at the injector's own results and, just as importantly, at what their patients say. Do reviews mention looking "natural," "refreshed" and "like myself"? Or do photos all look the same?
Our patients describe the goal well: "Never too much or never too little."
5. Honesty, including the word "no"
The best injectors turn down treatments that won't help you. They tell you when filler would be better than Botox, when a laser or skin care plan should come first, or when you simply don't need anything yet.
"She is not afraid to say no if a requested treatment is not the best fit for your body, and will explain why and recommend the next best alternative," a LIV patient wrote in her review. If an injector agrees to everything you ask for, be cautious.
6. Transparent pricing, without pressure
Botox is usually priced per unit or per area. Ask how many units they expect you to need and what that will cost before treatment, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Diluted product or too few units can mean results that fade fast.
At LIV, a $150 consultation fee applies to new consultations and is fully credited toward any services booked, so the advice is never a sales pitch.
7. Authentic product and a clean, medical setting
Ask which brand you are getting. Botox, Dysport and Jeuveau are FDA-approved neurotoxins and should come from authorized suppliers. The treatment room should feel clean and clinical, even if the lounge feels like a spa.
8. Follow-up care
Results settle around two weeks. A good practice invites you back to check your results and, if needed, adjust. It should be easy to reach someone with questions afterward.
Our patients often mention this. One wrote that she was able to message the practice for guidance while traveling abroad when her skin flared up.
Questions to ask at your consultation
- Who will be injecting me, and what is your license?
- How long have you been injecting, and how often?
- Which product do you recommend for me, and why?
- How many units do you expect I'll need, and what will it cost?
- What will I look like at two weeks, and what if I want an adjustment?
- What would you not recommend for me?
Why Chicago patients choose LIV
Liv Aesthetics Chicago is a women-owned practice in the West Loop, with a 5-star rating on Google. Sangini has practiced dermatology since 2004, 22 years and counting, and many of her patients have trusted her for ten, fifteen and even twenty years. Read what patients say about Botox with Sangini or meet Sangini.
Frequently asked questions
Who can legally inject Botox in Illinois?
Botox should be administered by licensed medical professionals such as physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and registered nurses, working within Illinois scope-of-practice and supervision rules. Always ask about your injector's license.
How much Botox do I need?
It depends on the area, your muscle strength and your goals. Your injector should estimate units at your consultation. First-time patients often start conservatively.
Is cheaper Botox worth it?
Price alone is a poor guide. Too few units, diluted product or poor placement can mean results that look off or fade quickly. Choose on experience and results first.
What should I avoid before Botox?
Many providers suggest avoiding alcohol and, when your doctor agrees, blood-thinning supplements for a day or two beforehand to reduce bruising. Follow the instructions your provider gives you.
Where is Liv Aesthetics Chicago?
954 W Washington Blvd, Suite 715, in the West Loop. Book online or call or text (312) 833-9004.
Come in for a consultation and ask Sangini every one of these questions.
Book a consultationThis article is general information, not medical advice. Every face and skin type is different, so the right treatment for you is decided at an in-person consultation. Individual results vary.