Plastic Surgery Warning: Online Injectables May Cause Harm

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E-Bay, Amazon.com, and web pharmacies may offer consumers the ability to purchase Botox®, Restylane ®, or “generic types” of injectables. Yet, The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety warns that the use of such injectables may pose additional risks for patients.  In fact, FDA approved injectables should only be purchased by licensed physicians. Injectables must be properly packaged and stored. In addition, there is physician related skill required in the administration of the injection to the treatment site. The injectable procedure is technique driven as well. In the end, the risks posed by the use of online injectables may include: infection, disfigurement, disability, or death.

Furthermore, it is a criminal offense in the U.S. to inject yourself or someone else unless you have a medical license. The Coalition has announced that people interested in injectables should heed caution when considering injectables through the following questions:     

• How many times has the doctor treated people with similar conditions?
• Does the physician examine the patient, offer alternatives to treatment, disclose information about side effects and risks associated with the procedure as well as document the injectable prescription in a patient chart?
• Is the facility a licensed medical facility and participate in sterilization and safety procedures?
• Is the injectable approved for cosmetic use by the FDA or other qualifying agencies outside of the U.S. (the label and package should reflect authenticity)?

Many board certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience in injectables. Dermotologists and some other types of licensed physicians may also have extensive experience with injectables. On the other hand, there are many other types of people that try to market injectables. It is important for consumers to take precautions by researching the doctor before proceeding with injectables.



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