3 Reasons Cheap Botox is a Bad Idea

February 18, 2013
Posted by the staff of Robert Grant, MD
New York, NY

When it comes to saving money, there is one area where cutting corners to save a buck is simply not smart.  In the world of healthcare, choosing discounted treatments can lead to big problems.

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned consumers about purchasing discount “Botox treatments” from sites such as Groupon and Living Social. One of the ways that cosmetic treatments, like Botox injections, can be offered at such steep discounts is that often times, they are diluted or generic, unregulated neurotoxins that are not the Botox brand name neurotoxins. The results of being treated with these false Botox brand injections can be dangerous, even disastrous.

The FDA has followed up with these warnings, cautioning patients and doctors alike: the FDA warns cosmetic surgeons to be weary of unwanted, unsolicited products from unknown suppliers who are offering significant discounts on products such as “Botox”. It is the responsibility of the plastic surgeon to know the origin and quality of the products they are offering.

As of December 12, 2012, the FDA warned more than 350 doctors that they may have received unapproved versions of Botox. These products are unregulated and may be unsafe due to a variety of factors including poor storage, contamination, or they are simply counterfeit. This can mean serious complications for the patients who receive injections of such products.

With potentially hazardous products available on the market, how does one protect themselves from being treated by these faux Botox treatments? There are three important thoughts to keep in mind that can help protect you from receiving tainted Botox injections.

1. ABNORMALLY LOW PRICES: If you are shopping for a Botox treatment and the offer seems too good to be true, it most likely is. Compare prices offered among various cosmetic surgeons to get an idea of the industry standard. Any deal that deviates too far from what other respected surgeons are offering should be a red flag. In order to offer prices well below the industry standard, something has to be tampered with and it is often the quality of the product.
2. EXPERIENCE IS ESSENSTIAL: Another way to protect one’s self against less than quality products is to consider the experience of the provider. Dr. Robert Grant, for instance, is board-certified with an impeccable record that spans over years of experience providing top quality cosmetic care to his patients. Dr. Grant would not be able to build such a flawless reputation by providing his patients with inferior or unsafe products. Before going to a doctor with a “special promotion”, do some research on the physician or practice that is offering the service. If they are not board-certified, with an established history of providing quality cosmetic services, you should walk away.
3. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: Take note of the location that is offering this discount service. The cleanliness and arrangement of the treatment location and office can be a warning sign. An office that is poorly kept can be a sign of poor product handling. A location offering cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, should look like a medical facility, with emergency procedures in place. Be wary of locations that seem poorly maintained and unsafe.

If you would to like to learn more about neurotoxins and the most up-to-date dermal fillers on the market today, you can read more at:

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