The price of beauty can be more than money.
In nine states, 15 people have been injected with fake Botox since May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They had reactions such as slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and double vision.
At a spa in New Mexico, three people were diagnosed with HIV after getting what’s known as a vampire facial in 2018. An investigation later revealed the needles were being reused from customer to customer and the spa was unlicensed.
More than 23 million people in the US will have some form of minimally invasive surgery in 2022, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This includes Botox, fillers, lip augmentation, skin resurfacing and skin tightening.
Health experts say these types of cosmetic procedures are generally safe and effective when performed by a licensed provider in a licensed health care facility.
‘Do your homework’
Before you commit to anything, make sure you ask the right questions and check that your provider is licensed.
“A lot of people out there aren’t even licensed to inject Botox or fillers, so it’s really important to do your homework,” said Erika Barry, a nurse practitioner at Moksha Aesthetics in Potomac, Maryland. She is considered one of the top aesthetic injectors and trainers in the country.
Before giving any injections, make sure the provider is licensed, Barry said.
Here’s how to search for a cosmetic surgery provider:
- Find the board of nursing website for your state or jurisdiction
- Enter the name of the provider
- Make sure their license is active
- Check for any complaints or actions against them
If you’re looking for a doctor, go to your state medical board to search for a license.
Red flags if you’re getting cosmetic surgery
In the case of fake Botox injections, the CDC and FDA found that many were administered in non-healthcare settings, such as homes, or by “unlicensed or untrained individuals.”
The counterfeit bottles of Botox were missing vital information, such as the batch number, and the outer box displayed the wrong active ingredient.
It’s important for patients to ask the right questions, said Dr. Jennifer Cope of the CDC.
“You want to ask about the product itself, if it’s an FDA approved product and if it was obtained from a reputable source. And then, if in doubt, don’t inject,” he said.
With social media driving the plastic surgery trend, Barry, the cosmetic injector, is warning people not to get caught up in the before and after photos. Instead, read between the lines.
“You can make your before and after. You can even buy fake followers, fake engagement, fake Yelp reviews,” he said. “Well you have to be very careful.”
Experts say check the label on the box. It should be written in English.
See the price. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is, and the product could pose a risk to your health.
Don’t be afraid to ask your injector how long they’ve been in school, where they went to school, and if they train.
