At Art of Dermatology at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, patient safety and satisfaction is Dr. Jessica Krant’s primary concern. As a physician offering cutting-edge skincare and anti-aging solutions including the ever-popular Botox®, Dr. Krant feels a responsibility to shed light on a worrying trend threatening the health of many unsuspecting individuals: counterfeit Botox.
Understanding the Threat of Counterfeit and Fake Botox
While Botox has become a symbol of youthful skin and a crucial tool in managing fine lines and wrinkles, its growing popularity has given rise to a market of fake products. Counterfeit Botox is not merely ineffective; it’s potentially life-threatening as well.
Counterfeit Botox often contains unknown or harmful substances and not only results in subpar cosmetic outcomes but can also lead to severe allergic reactions or worse. The possible side effects depend on what is being used in the formula.
The Risks of Counterfeit Botox
Counterfeit Botox comes with a few different risks, with some being more serious than others. The following risks are what make fake Botox so concerning.
Poor or No Result
One of the most common pitfalls of counterfeit Botox is the possibility of getting no results or poor results. Fake Botox products may not contain any active ingredients, depriving you of the anti-aging effects you desire.
Severe Health Complications
Fake Botox can cause major health issues. More often than not, the fake Botox formula can contain unregulated substances that may lead to allergies, skin infections, or even more severe health issues. In the worst case scenario, the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, the lab source of the active toxin, is actually growing in vials of fake Botox. When this bacteria is injected into your body, it will continue to spread and can lead to the severe life-threatening illness botulism. Vials of real Botox purchased directly from the original manufacturer Allergan do not contain any bacteria. That’s why it’s so crucial to ask questions and find a reputable provider with years of experience.
Increased Cost
Treatment with fake Botox can also be very costly in the long run, especially when you don’t receive the results you’re looking for or need to receive further medical treatment due to a dangerous reaction.
Detecting and Avoiding Counterfeit Botox
There are a few ways to determine whether your provider is using counterfeit Botox. Stories in the news about fake Botox have all been from non-physician injectors in unusual settings. Making sure you are seeing a board-certified core cosmetic specialty physician (dermatologist, plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, or ENT facial plastic surgeon) in a real medical office is key. In addition, researching, knowing the correct price range for quality treatment, and looking for proper labeling can reduce your risk of receiving fake Botox.
Research Your Provider
When choosing your Botox provider, make sure to look up their credentials, read patient reviews, and ask them for information about their past results. Board-certified dermatologists like Dr. Jessica Krant will gladly offer you all the information you need to make the right decision for you without any pressured sales tactics.
Be Wary of Unrealistic Prices
If a Botox deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remarkably low prices can be an indicator of counterfeit products. Remember, your health and safety are worth every penny spent on genuine Botox treatments.
Ask About FDA Approval
Legitimate providers only use FDA-approved Botox. Don’t hesitate to ask to see the outside packaging and vial your provider is using. All FDA-approved Botox products display the active ingredient as “OnabotulinumtoxinA” on the vial and come in Allergan packaging with holographic seals. If anything on the Botox vial or carton looks suspicious, don’t let embarrassment stop you from saying something or simply leaving. Keep in mind that fake Botox packages do try to copy the real ones, so providers trying to use cheap Botox can be fooled themselves into buying fake product. Only product purchased directly from Allergan can be assured to be the real deal.
Schedule A Consultation Today
At Art of Dermatology at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, you never have to worry about counterfeit Botox. We only use the safest, highest quality, and most effective treatments available today. During your consultation, Dr. Krant will walk you through each step of your procedure and address any questions or concerns you have. To start your journey to a more confident you, call our NYC office at 212 488 5599 or fill out our online contact form.
Jessica Krant, M.D., MPH, is a board-certified dermatologist with specialized experience in cosmetic, laser, surgical, and medical dermatology, but above all, Dr. Krant is most proud to be a caring, comprehensive physician who takes the time to listen and send her patients home with a smile.
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