Reports on fake Botox causing hospitalizations for patients who had the counterfeit drug have caused a great deal of concern in recent news.

Unfortunately, this is not a new trend. The med spa market has attracted waves of non-core providers who compromise on best practices, putting many patients at risk.

Med spas are widespread and can be found in most major cities and population centers. However, these facilities are not regulated, creating environments where many providers are willing to bend the rules to attract patients using low-price gimmicks and flash sales.

Let’s Review The Real Thing: Botox Cosmetic

Botox Cosmetic is a potent neuromodulator medication that blocks a nerve ending in the muscle, temporarily paralyzing or relaxing the muscle. Other neuromodulators include FDA-approved Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, and Jeuveau. These drugs work by reducing wrinkles of facial expression and are also used to treat muscle spasticity, tension headaches, clenching teeth (masseter Botox), bladder spasms, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and eye muscle misalignment.

Who Can Inject Botox?

Physicians and physician extenders are qualified to treat patients for cosmetic purposes. While any licensed physician can use Botox to treat wrinkles, the best-trained are plastic surgeons, dermatologists, oculoplastic surgeons, or facial plastic surgeons. Physician extenders and nurses can also be trained to deliver Botox for cosmetic procedures, but they must have specific training and be supervised by an overseeing physician. However, many providers or physician extenders get by with little or no training and have little oversight.

Purchasing Botox or an FDA-regulated neuromodulator requires a medical license at the minimum. Most companies require specific training before an account can be opened. Once purchased, Botox bottles will be marked with a lot and serial number and include a hologram that ensures its efficacy and authenticity.

There Is No Off-brand Version Of Botox 

Only FDA-approved neuromodulators should be used: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxify, or Jeuveau. These will be marked with lot and serial numbers, as well as with a supporting hologram.

To ensure that you are getting real Botox, make sure you know and trust your provider. Botox is a medical procedure. You’ll want to ensure you’re getting the real product to avoid complications and maximize your results. 

What Are The Side-effects Of Fake Botox?

The most serious side effect of fake Botox is an overdose. Botox is a powerful medication that requires very precise dosing. Fake botox can easily be incorrectly diluted and injected in improper doses. An overdose of Botox can paralyze necessary muscles and lead to hospitalizations seen in these most recently published events.

How Are Providers Buying Fake Botox?

Fake or counterfeit neuromodulators can be purchased on the “black market,” usually overseas. These products are not FDA-regulated, and their manufacturing processes are unregulated. Surprisingly, these products are not hard to locate on the internet and purchase.

An overdose is the most serious side effect of fake Botox. Due to its potency, Botox requires precise dosing. Fake Botox can be incorrectly diluted and injected in improper doses, causing an overdose that can paralyze necessary muscles and lead to hospitalizations.

Here’s What We Recommend :

• Going to the doctor’s office or medical spa affiliated with a doctor you know and trust.
• Do not use Groupon or low-price gimmicks to choose your provider. You will get what you pay for.
• Verify that your provider uses genuine Botox, and verify the # of units you receive per area. Most Botox treatments range from 25 to 50 units.
• Ask if the product is fresh and when it was diluted. Only agree to a fresh product diluted within 24 hours.
• Lastly, request to see the Botox bottle, which will be marked with a hologram.