Illegal Injectables: Botox Knockoffs Could Be Harmful

It’s no secret that cosmetic dermal injectables have grown in popularity. In fact, Botox is the most requested non-invasive treatment available. Cosmetic fillers like Botox, Restylane and Juvederm, are successful at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and generally work for most patients. But with the rise in popularity of these products comes the rise of illegal injectables that that are provided by unlicensed dealers and may include harmful substances. There have been a string of recent cases involving illegal injectables, and some have resulted in patients needing surgery to treat the side effects. So how do you protect yourself? What should you be looking out for when it comes to cosmetic injectables?

How to Spot an Illegal Injectable

Before agreeing to undergo treatment with an injectable, patients need to be vigilant about doing their research and making sure they have a trained, board-certified physician or dermatologist performing the procedure. If you are interested in receiving injectables to treat wrinkles or cellulite, or to remove veins and improve body contour, then there are some steps you need to take. After all, your health and safety are the most important things to consider when receiving cosmetic treatments.

Ask Questions: When you meet with a provider, ask questions about his or her qualifications, how many injections he or she has performed and the pricing of procedures. A real expert will have nothing to hide and will welcome the questions. If the physician or esthetician is being too vague or evading questions, then they may not be the best option.

Get to Know Your Esthetician: On top of researching their credentials and asking about qualifications, you also need to establish a strong relationship with your selected provider. Make sure you pick someone who specializes in injectables and has plenty of experience performing the procedure. Also, having a good relationship with your esthetician will make it easier to discuss concerns, ask important questions and follow-up with necessary meetings and treatments.

Inquire About Brands: During an initial consultation, a physician will generally recommend an injectable to use for your treatment. It’s smart to ask for the brand name, as well as it’s approval status from regulatory agencies, like the FDA. Ask about any potential side effects or adverse events that can occur with this particular brand. You are also perfectly within your right to ask to see the packaging so you can examine it and verify the authenticity. Check for the serial and lot number, and look for identifying holograms and logos.

Trust Your Instincts: If you feel suspicious about anything—the injector’s training, the authenticity of the brand, or a lack of protocol—then trust your instincts, and do not accept treatment. You can report suspected illegal injections to the FDA.

Illegal injectables are on the rise, and they can cause serious health problems in patients. Not only is the use of non-branded products an issue, but also injectibles being administered by untrained, non-certified injectors. It’s important for patients who are interested in non-invasive cosmetic treatments to do their research, taking extra care to be thorough with their questions and assertive with their concerns.

If you are concerned about the risks of illegal injectables, but are still interested in treating wrinkles, fine lines or other ailments, then contact us today. We have an entire network of board-certified physicians, dermatologists and plastic surgeons who have years of training and experience with injectables. We can set you up with a personal consultation, where you can discuss any and all concerns, and receive all the information you need about your desired treatment. With our doctors, you know you’re getting the best care and service possible.