Years ago, the most common fix for aging skin was simply applying moisturizer or anti-aging serum. However, today, the quick fix is no longer found in a skincare product. The new treatment of choice is much more invasive: Botox injections.
While this shift may seem extreme, it is the reality for millions across the country. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of annual Botox injections increased by 459% between 2000 and 2020.
As Botox’s popularity rises, so does the risk of counterfeit products entering the market.
On Nov. 5, the Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to eighteen websites illegally selling counterfeit versions of Botox. This is in response to several complaints claiming that counterfeit Botox caused a variety of injuries, such as the potentially life-threatening condition Botulism.
What is Botox?
Botox is a diluted form of botulinum toxin, a substance that temporarily blocks nerve signals and relaxes muscles. It is most commonly used for cosmetic purposes to smooth wrinkles and reduce fine lines, but can also be used to treat other medical conditions, such as muscle spasms and migraines.
Throughout the years, Botox has significantly risen in demand, often being administered in medical spas. These spa facilities have expanded rapidly across the country, with the industry being valued at approximately $19 billion in 2023. However, the growth is not expected to stop there. By 2033, the medical spa market is estimated to be worth $72 billion.
The Spread of Counterfeit Botox
Botox is legally required to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Yet, as prices rise, unapproved, counterfeit versions of the substance are beginning to infiltrate the market. Advertisements are frequently promoted on social media platforms, such as TikTok.
This counterfeit Botox is often administered in non-medical settings by unlicensed individuals. The packaging is designed similarly to real Botox, but the counterfeit substance is not tested for safety or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
For example, one company sold an unapproved Botox product containing “Innotox,” also known as Korean Botox. These different versions of Botox have grown in popularity due to their easy accessibility and cheaper costs.
The Dangerous Side-Effects
Although they may be more affordable, using these unapproved substances can trigger several harmful side effects. The most concerning risk is botulism, an illness that attacks the body’s nervous system, leading to muscle paralysis, trouble breathing and slurred speech. If any patients experience these symptoms after injecting Botox, they should seek immediate medical care.
Side effects do not always appear after just one injection, but once they do, they can persist for several months.
Two confirmed cases of botulism were officially reported in Louisiana. One patient purchased unapproved Botox online, and the other received injections in a non-medical setting. When their symptoms appeared just a few days after injections, the patients were hospitalized.
“You could think that you’re in the clear and then all of a sudden, you can’t open one of your eyes and you don’t know what to do,” – Molly O’Rourke, a registered nurse and nurse injector in Portland, Maine.
Medical professionals urge Botox users to only receive injections from reputable, licensed facilities. Although it may seem convenient to purchase the most accessible, affordable option, the consequences can turn a quick fix into a medical emergency.
What are your thoughts on the fake Botox crisis? Tag us, @VALLEYmag, and let us know!
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Its like you read my thoughts! You seem to understand a lot about this, such as you wrote the e book in it or something. I feel that you can do with some p.c. to drive the message house a bit, however instead of that, that is magnificent blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually know what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my website =). We could have a link exchange contract between us!
As soon as I found this web site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
It is in point of fact a great and useful piece of information. I am happy that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Some times its a pain in the ass to read what people wrote but this internet site is very user genial! .
Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It is the little changes that make the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
As I website owner I conceive the subject material here is real fantastic, thanks for your efforts.
The subsequent time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I do know it was my option to learn, however I really thought youd have one thing attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you may fix if you werent too busy on the lookout for attention.
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such magnificent info being shared freely out there.