Botox is a safe and effective cosmetic treatment for fine lines and wrinkles when administered by a licensed professional. However, the risks of purchasing counterfeit Botox, cosmetic skincare, and fake beauty products online are real and can lead to negative consequences.
“One of the most popular topics people are discussing is the use of counterfeit Botox here in the U.S. market,” shares Houston-based Nurse Injector Candace Bersani.
And it’s no wonder. In April of this year, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a report about 19 people experiencing serious side effects due to receiving counterfeit botulinum toxin injections, also known by brand names like Botox and Dysport. Nine of the 19 were hospitalized. According to the CDC, the counterfeit botulinum toxin was administered by an untrained or unlicensed individual in non-healthcare settings, like a spa or an individual’s home.
Botox and other popular cosmetic treatments, like dermal filler and skin care products, are safe and effective when administered by a licensed professional or sold through a verified vendor, respectively. That’s why you should always work with such a provider to avoid counterfeit products.
We turn to Bersani for more insights into counterfeit Botox and how to protect yourself from it and other fake cosmetic products and procedures.
What is counterfeit Botox and skincare?
In today’s world, we often attempt to save money, and sites like eBay and Amazon have supported us in this attempt. It’s the savvy shopper that always turns to sites like Amazon and eBay to see if they can find items—anything from clothes, supplements, cosmetics, books and much more—for less than retail or what they might pay for them elsewhere.
Unfortunately, fraud can negatively impact our experiences. Fraud seems to be everywhere. From purses and watches being sold on the streets to professional line hair care products being sold in certain department stores to knockoff designer label shoes and clothing being sold online, fraud costs people a lot of money, not to mention it can impact our safety and wellbeing, and the skin care and cosmetic industry is no different.
Counterfeit Botox and other treatments and skincare products are those that individuals or companies attempt to illegally sell consumers as the “real” thing. These products are often sold online, though some will attempt to sell them in an in-person brick-and-mortar establishment, as well.
Statistics about counterfeit Botox, cosmetic skin care, and fake beauty products online
There are several companies that attempt to sell skin care products that only a professional MedSpa or doctor has permission to sell. With products such as professional hair care and skin care products, there’s no guarantee that you’re truly getting the quality that you pay for when buying them from an unauthorized dealer. In addition, there’s no way of knowing if the ingredients are safe if used as directed.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the counterfeiting of luxury products is a “highly profitable venture” for online scammers. A report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development indicates that the cosmetic industry loses approximately $5.4 billion annually to fraudulent sellers.
Though companies like Amazon have strict policies prohibiting the sale of fraudulent and counterfeit products and take great strides to avoid such sales from happening, a 2018 government investigation indicated that more than 42% of products purchased online on sites such as Walmart and Amazon were fakes. In some instances, the counterfeit products were near-exact replicas of the actual product. With COVID-19 and the lockdown came a significant increase in cybercrimes, including counterfeiting and the sale of fake products to take advantage of people’s fears and inability to access products through the outlets they used. And post-COVID, this trend continues.
Risks of using fake Botox, DIY fillers, and more
Goods that counterfeiters sell go unchecked by quality control measures, like those put in place by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some fake products have been found to contain carcinogens, like cadmium, arsenic, and beryllium, which can cause significant external and internal damage. Further, some products have been found to include human waste and harmful bacteria.
In terms of more invasive products, like DIY dermal fillers, consumers have sometimes been injecting themselves with silicone that’s not suitable for human use. In instances like these, the filler has to be surgically removed.
When using fake or counterfeit Botox, fillers, and more, the best-case scenario is that any irritation or unpleasant reaction can be cleared up with at-home remedies. The worse-case scenario is that more extreme circumstances, like scarring, permanent discoloration of the skin, and botched results can occur and a trip to the doctor might be necessary. Some more extensive and expensive treatments might be necessary to reverse damage, such as laser treatments or steroids.
From fake Botox and fillers to skincare products, regardless of what you’re purchasing, you want to be sure to check out reviews for the companies you’re purchasing from, as well as the products and the product name’s standards. When purchasing on sites like Amazon, they often have verified suppliers that are backed by sites like Amazon to give you some peace of mind. Still, with the thousands upon thousands of counterfeiters online, it can be tough for even the largest of organizations to keep up. So, anytime you’re purchasing cosmetic or skin care products, use caution and ALWAYS turn to medical professionals for treatments like Botox and dermal fillers.
Another fact is that authorized medical professionals know what to look for in terms of legitimate products. The packaging is specific and has evidence that indicates it’s the real thing, and in many cases, only a medical professional who regularly uses the products knows what to look for.
According to Bersani, “At DermaTouch, when we receive our shipments of Botox, it comes in a box with a hologram label and a tab where you can see that it’s completely sealed – there is a seal that shows that it’s tamper proof.”
Many cosmetic companies only sell to establishments with a licensed professional
When you’re purchasing cosmetic products made by companies such as SkinMedica, purchase them from a reputable clinic or MedSpa, like DermaTouch RN, with a physician on board. If there isn’t a physician or required licensed medical professional on board based on the product line’s standards, then the establishment is likely selling the products illegally, since such companies only sell to very specific establishments.
This is in part why it’s very easy for organizations to illegally sell products online—people don’t think to verify the establishment or if the seller is sticking to the brand name company’s standards for the products they’re selling.
SkinMedica mentioned earlier is a medical-grade skincare line that is highly effective and can only be carried by clinics and MedSpas that meet specific standards. For example, DermaTouch RN carries SkinMedica, which is made by Allergan, since our establishment meets their high and strict standards.
In other words, if you’re purchasing SkinMedica products online through an establishment not backed by the SkinMedica name, then there’s no guarantee about what you’re getting. The same goes for other medical-grade products and treatments meant to only be sold and applied by licensed medical professionals.
How to avoid counterfeit Botox and other fake products
“We don’t want anyone to take any risks with their health,” states Bersani, “It is important that you continue your beauty treatments and cosmetic procedures in a safe fashion, so you can continue to enjoy them. Our client’s health and wellness are our top priorities at DermaTouch RN.”
When you trust your appearance and the treatments to look and feel your best to others, seek out brands and establishments backed by a licensed medical professional. For example, SkinMedica offers several chemical peels that must be administered by a licensed medical professional, which includes physicians, an aesthetician, or a nurse under a physician’s supervision. If you find yourself purchasing your medical-grade skin care treatment from an establishment that’s not authorized to use or sell it, think twice and move on.
To ensure you avoid counterfeit Botox and other fake products and the potential negative results that come with them, Bersani recommends the following three essential tips:
- Find a trustworthy provider: Always choose a certified and reputable provider for your Botox and other treatments. Seek out an Allergan (the makers of Botox) certified establishment for Botox treatments, for example.
- Ask important questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about the source of the Botox (or other products) and the provider’s qualifications.
- Verify authenticity: Ask to ensure that the Botox used is genuine and sourced from reliable manufacturers. The same holds true for dermal fillers and medical-grade skincare products.
If you feel at all unsafe or unsure of the answers you receive, move on and don’t get the injection or treatment.
Safety is a priority
As the proof suggests above, when you purchase products online, there is no telling what you’re getting, especially when buying from sellers outside the United States. You’re risking your health and safety and not getting the results promised. In the best case, you’re simply wasting your money because the products are diluted or not what they say they are. And the same goes for offline establishments attempting to appear as if they are authorized to offer and sell specific treatments that they actually aren’t.
Do your homework so you don’t get burned, and more importantly, remain safe and healthy.
Botox is safe and effective when from a reputable provider
FDA-approved Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is used to reduce or eliminate facial lines and restore a youthful appearance. Results take up to two weeks to take effect after being injected into the muscle and last for an average of three to four months. As Botox wears off, additional injections are required to maintain results.
What is BOTOX FDA-approved for?
Botox was approved by the FDA in 2002 as a cosmetic treatment. It’s approved for three dermatological uses:
- Treating what’s often referred to as “11” lines between the eyebrows (frown lines)
- Reducing the appearance of forehead lines
- Improving the appearance of crow’s feet (lines around the outside corners of the eyes)
What are off-label uses of Botox?
Off-label refers to the use of a drug or prescription medication for a need other than the condition for which it was officially approved.
Botox is safe and effective for cosmetic procedures when administered correctly, even though dermatological use is not the origin of Botox’s FDA approval. There are a myriad of off-label procedures that are considered standard for care. Among these multiple opportunities for beauty enhancement are:
- Correct and adjust eyebrow asymmetry
- Minimize the appearance of bunny lines from wrinkling up your nose
- Jaw Botox sculpting
- Lift the corners of the lips
- Lip flip to reduce the appearance of lines above lips and make the upper lip appear more defined and fuller
Purchase from a provider you can trust
At DermaTouch RN, you can trust that when you purchase products from our clinic, you get high-quality skincare treatments and cosmetics with the results you expect. Regardless of where you go, again, do your homework and ensure your research validates that you can trust the provider or clinic you choose.
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Candace Bersani, BSN, RN, CANS
Nurse Injector
Candace has been a registered nurse since 2019 after obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. After graduation, she worked as an operating room nurse at one of the nation’s top hospitals, specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This role not only allowed her to be the patient care advocate during surgery but also provided her with the unique experience of working alongside the surgeon, where she was able to observe facial anatomy up close.
Candace has always had a passion for aesthetics and skincare. She is committed to providing innovative aesthetic treatments to achieve a natural result centered around the patient’s aesthetic goals. Learn more about Candace and the team of professionals she works with.
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.