This is not necessarily because patients want to see someone without permission. it is simply a cost-cutting measure. “To be relatively competitive against highly trained specialists, non-licensed injectors need some appeal other than academic pedigree—so cost reduction,” says Dr. Westbay. “There is also the possibility that the product they are using is unlicensed and obtained with a cheaper disposable injector fee. With lower consumables, the cost of the product can be reduced.”
Also notable? Kitsos says patients brought her various vials and bottles and asked her to inject them, which she refused. “Just like handbags, there are a lot of counterfeit injectables,” she says. Of course, the difference is that a fake Birkin doesn’t historically kill people.
As for how to ensure that you are getting branded cosmetic injections from someone who is qualified? First, don’t let yourself be fooled by social media. “There are a lot of accounts with huge numbers of followers that are run by people who don’t have permission,” says Kitsos.
While main injector has become a popular term for injectors on the internet, there are no actual classes or certifications any doctor or nurse can take to become certified as one, according to Dr. Westbay. “Anyone can choose to write that on their website, as it’s not a legally regulated term,” he says, noting that those who are truly “primary injectors” usually don’t make that claim on social media, as they can report the actual the instead qualifications.
“It’s this way of thinking: They have a ton of fans, so they must be really talented, right? or They must have so many followers because they are well known in the industry. But it’s all a facade,” says Dr Westbay.
“Likes on social media do not correlate with diplomas on the wall, experience or expertise,” reiterates Dr. Frank, as evidenced by Glamoranonymous source of. She went to an unlicensed spa that had an Instagram account with tons of real followers, while her injector identified himself as licensed. And she’s still suffering from botulism symptoms three months later.
“Anyone can call themselves anything, and the only real, valid qualification to inject is a license in the state in which they practice as an injector,” says Kitsos. “Whether it’s a medical, nursing, registered nurse or physician assistant license, having one of these licenses is non-negotiable and should be the first thing people look for in an injector.”
This is especially important if your injector is at a ‘botox party’. According to Kitso, an unlicensed injector was caught illegally injecting patients with unverified substances at a popular Los Angeles hotel and only accepted payment in cash. “If your practitioner injects in hotel rooms and only accepts cash, that’s a huge red flag,” Kitsos says.
Another bad sign? “If they inject you with products that aren’t in a single, sterile container and instead pour products into a cup and suck it up with a syringe,” he says.
At the end of the day, you have to put yourself and your health first—even if that means forgoing cosmetic injections or paying more than you’d like for them. “People prioritize their vanity so much that they are knowingly or subconsciously blind to the dangers,” says Dr. Westbay, which likes to remind customers: You’re not buying a Botox syringe. you are buying the skills and expertise of the person running it.
That’s why it’s imperative that you see a trusted, licensed health care professional. “You can ask them for their license number and look them up online and verify if they actually have a license,” Kitsos says. “This is public information.”
