Botox and filler safety: Go through licensed professionals for cosmetic procedures
If you’ve been considering injectable cosmetic procedures, like Botox, recent reports of counterfeit products could have you questioning the safety. But risks are lowered when you get the treatments through a licensed clinic.
“Just remember that injections are a medical procedure, so there are risks and safety should come first,” said Ronda Farah, MD, a dermatologist at M Health Fairview and associate professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Recently, botulinum toxin was linked to a counterfeit Botox product. Botulinum toxin causes botulism, a bacterial illness often linked to consuming improperly canned foods. Botulism blocks nerve functions and can lead to respiratory issues and muscle paralysis.
Botulinum toxin is also a medication approved for use for cosmetic purposes, such as to smooth wrinkles and facial lines. It’s also used to treat conditions like chronic migraine, spasms, and bladder dysfunction.
But if used incorrectly, botulinum toxin can be dangerous. There’s always a risk of injecting the product into an artery, which can cause double vision, blurry vision, trouble breathing, weakness, difficulty lifting your head, and can even be fatal.
“So, it's really, really important that your product is not counterfeit, and it's also injected by an expert,” Farah said. “You want to get these done in a medical setting. Make sure that the person providing the service is licensed and board-certified in dermatology, plastic surgery, oculoplastics, or neurology – or someone under the supervision of an expert.”
The M Health Fairview cosmetic dermatology team is made up of licensed medical professionals who can keep your body safe. They also have access to legitimate products.
Red flags to watch for
Some cosmetic procedures are offered at spas or even house parties. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking some precautions. Make sure the clinic or spa is licensed and that the person injecting your product is licensed. Ask if the product they’re using is FDA approved. If you have doubts, don’t get the injection.
Farah recommends skipping spas and instead getting injectables at a medical clinic.
“If the deal for an injectable seems too good to be true, the cost is low, or it's in a setting that doesn't feel comfortable, those are really big red flags,” Farah said. “You should also be able to request to see the supervising physician. The physician running the site should be reachable.”
If you had an injectable and experience vision problems, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or muscle weakness, go to an emergency department immediately.
