The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety recently launched a campaign to raise public awareness on the safe use of cosmetic injectable treatments. The campaign focuses on helping consumers make informed decisions and choose qualified practitioners.

The number of patients seeking out injectable treatments for cosmetic purposes such as wrinkle removal and other skin perfections has soared in recent years. Last year alone, more than five million cosmetic injectable procedures were performed in the U.S.

However, as these numbers continue to grow, so do the numbers of fraudulent or untrained practitioners. To ensure consumer safety, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery formed the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety.

“The specialties that have pioneered and advanced cosmetic treatment with injectables have come together as a group in support of the value that cosmetic injectable treatments provide patient, but we are concerned that troubling reports and requests for help from patients hurt by counterfeit or so-called ‘off-shore’ injectables or by untrained injectors are growing,” said Dr. Mark L. Jewell, Chair of the Coalition and past ASAPS president.

The Coalition urges patients who are considering injectable treatments to choose only board certified physicians who commonly perform cosmetic skin and facial procedures, and who only use FDA approved products.

“Despite the perception these are non-invasive treatments, these injections are medical procedures that should only be administered in a medical setting. Patients should have confidence the person prescribing and performing the injection has the appropriate training and the product is genuine,” said Alastair Carruthers, ASDS president.

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