Buyer, Beware of Fake Botox
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 serious symptoms after receiving injections of what appear to be 鈥渇ake鈥� versions of the anti-aging cosmetic treatment. Some required hospitalization.
It鈥檚 especially concerning because, every year, millions of Americans seek out Botox injections.
鈥淯nscrupulous people are trying to profit from the popularity of Botox by appealing to consumers who are looking for a bargain,鈥� says UR Medicine Board-certified dermatologist Mara Velez Weinstein. 鈥淯nlicensed people can learn how to do the injections from TikTok or YouTube videos. And if they use lower-priced, counterfeit Botox, they can increase their profits.鈥�
In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network message, warning about the risks of mishandled or counterfeit Botox. The CDC, 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 their eyes, incontinence, shortness of breath, and weakness.
Real Botox is used to treat muscle spasms, bladder issues, and migraines. But more commonly, people get Botox injections to reduce wrinkling in the face. Botox has been used for cosmetic procedures for more than two decades and is very safe in the hands of a trained medical professional.
How Do You Spot Fake Botox?
鈥淚f the price sounds too good to be true, that is a warning sign,鈥� says Dr. Velez Weinstein.
Botox is sold by the unit, and prices typically are around $15 to $20 per unit. Any less than $10 a unit should raise a question in your mind.
Also, beware of anyone offering to do Botox injections in someone鈥檚 home. That鈥檚 not an appropriate place for a medical procedure. The same goes for someone hosting a 鈥淏otox party鈥� for a group of friends in someone鈥檚 home. They typically charge a fee that鈥檚 lower than the standard price for Botox and inject the people there.
To prevent getting botched Botox shots, injections should be performed in a medical setting that is hygienic, safe, and medically equipped.
In New York state, Botox injections can only be done legally by a licensed physician, nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. All of the latter three should do these injections under the supervision of a physician. Aestheticians and people who call themselves 鈥渋njectors鈥� without credentials are not allowed to do Botox injections in New York.
Another warning sign of bad Botox treatment
Dr. Velez Weinstein says she has had patients who previously went to injectors who put a map or grid on their face to place injections. 鈥淚t's concerning to me to hear that someone may have laid a grid over their face to inject them; it suggests that they may have gotten injections from someone who was not well trained.鈥�
A trained professional like Dr. Velez Weinstein has a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the face and knows how to look at the way facial muscles move and where the Botox should be placed. 鈥淚 provide the medication at precisely the right location in precisely the right amount to achieve the desired effect.鈥�
To be safe, you should check the credentials of providers before getting 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. It comes in a 50- or 100-unit vial. Then ask to take a look at that box before your injection, and be sure it matches what your image looks like.
For Botox or any injectable, it鈥檚 your right to make sure what is going in your body is legitimate. You can research qualified providers of Botox injections by going to their website and finding authorized providers in your area.
Cosmetic Dermatology at UR Medicine
UR Medicine's Cosmetic Dermatology team will discuss your goals with you and then help you choose the best treatment options. Since your care will be provided by an actual dermatologist, we can offer more options to better fit your unique needs.