Botox treatments are safe and effective when administered by a trained professional, but there are scammers out there. Earlier this year, consumers in New York and eight other states experienced severe symptoms after injecting what appeared to be “fake” versions of the anti-aging cosmetic treatment. Some required hospitalization.
It’s especially concerning because, every year, millions of Americans seek Botox injections.
“Unscrupulous people are trying to capitalize on Botox’s popularity by appealing to consumers looking for a bargain,” says UR Medicine Board-certified dermatologist Mara Velez Weinstein. “Unlicensed people can learn how to inject from TikTok or YouTube videos. And if they use fake botox at a lower price, they can increase their profits.”
In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network message warning of the dangers of mishandling or counterfeit Botox. The CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, and state and local agencies are investigating 17 cases between November 2023 and April 2024. Victims reported botulism-like illness with blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing or opening eyes, incontinence, shortness of breath and weakness.
Real Botox is used to treat muscle spasms, bladder problems and migraines. But more often, people get Botox injections to reduce facial wrinkles. Botox has been used for cosmetic procedures for over two decades and is very safe in the hands of a trained physician.
How do you spot fake botox?
“If the price sounds too good to be true, that’s a warning sign,” says Dr. Velez Weinstein.
Botox is sold by the unit and prices are usually around $15 to $20 per unit. Anything less than $10 per unit should raise a question in your mind.
Also, beware of anyone offering to do botox injections at someone’s home. Not a suitable place for medical practice. The same goes for someone who throws a “botox party” for a group of friends at someone’s house. They usually charge a fee lower than the standard price for Botox and inject people there.
To avoid failure of Botox injections, injections must be given in a medical environment that is hygienic, safe and medically equipped.
In New York State, Botox injections can only be legally administered by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. All three of the latter should have these injections under a doctor’s supervision. Estheticians and people who call themselves “injectors” without credentials are not allowed to give Botox injections in New York.
Another warning sign of bad botox treatment
Dr. Velez Weinstein says she’s had patients who were previously injectors put a map or grid on their face to inject. “It worries me to hear that someone may have put a mesh over his face to inject him. suggests that they may have been injected by someone who was not well trained.”
A trained professional like Dr. Velez Weinstein has a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and knows how to see how the facial muscles move and where the Botox should be placed. “I deliver the drug in exactly the right place and in the right amount to achieve the desired effect.”
To be safe, you should check the credentials of providers before giving injections. You can go to the website of the manufacturer of Botox, AbbVie, and take a screenshot or photo of what the vial looks like. Available in a vial of 50 or 100 units. Then ask to take a look at that box before your injection and make sure it matches your image.
For botox or any injectable, it is your right to make sure what is happening to your body is legal. You can research suitable Botox injection providers by going to their website and finding licensed providers in your area.
Aesthetic Dermatology at UR Medicine
The Aesthetic Dermatology team at UR Medicine will discuss your goals with you and then help you choose the best treatment options. Since your care will be provided by a real dermatologist, we can offer more options to better meet your unique needs.
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