ICU Hospitalizations
In recent months, federal and state health officials have investigated and documented a surge of illnesses across various states linked to counterfeit or improperly administered Botox. Over a dozen cases ranging from California and New York resulted in hospitalizations of patients for weakness, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing and breathing. Some of these cases needed treatment in the ICU and the use of a ventilator.
In the highly price-sensitive world of cosmetic injectable treatments, patients are driven to look for “good deals” and may not be aware that the current supply chain of Botox has been compromised with counterfeit products that can lead to serious adverse events.
Botox Treatments are Medical Procedures
Many consumers consider Botox injections as a “cosmetic treatment,” not a medical procedure, and simply trust they are getting real FDA-approved products. Price shopping consumers can unwittingly be treated with dangerous substitutes or doses in an effort to save money. In these recent cases of illness, all the injured patients had received injections in non-medical settings, like home-based treatments and medi-spas (not physician offices), according to the CDC. The use of Botox that cause issues are often purchased from unlicensed sources, leading to risks such as misbranding, adulteration, contamination, and improper storage.
Look for Properly Licensed Providers in Medical Settings
“Just because you walk into a treatment room and someone has a white coat on does not mean that they are a physician,” said Dr. Seth Matarasso, the current president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
As the desire for “discount procedures” increases, there will always be a desire to cut costs from some businesses and providers to buy less expensive or discount supplies including Botox from unverified sources. It is important patients realize that price shopping Botox per unit is not the best way to find your provider. Remember that you are looking for a safe, expert, and good outcome—and that should be the driving force in choosing a provider—not price. This is your health and safety at stake. Experts recommend seeking out a medical facility and licensed provider — such as a board-certified dermatologist — who has expertise in cosmetic treatments.
You Get What You Pay For
The application and use of various non-invasive treatments combined with the artistic and expert techniques utilized by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu are what truly sets The Derm Institute’s treatments apart. There are no shortcuts, inappropriate dilutions, or non-original manufacturer discount supplies ever used in our clinic. Dr. Chiu and The Derm Institute team are committed to exclusively providing advanced, expert, cutting-edge, and artistic facial rejuvenation safely.
Ready to book your personalized consultation with the professionals at The Derm Institute? Contact us today for your appointment by filling out our online form or calling us at (310)939-9800.
