Posted October 14, 2008 in Blog, Botox and Facial Fillers, Uncategorized
The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety reported that cheaper, unbranded, unapproved and counterfeit cosmetic injectables are a threat to your looks and your health warns . There have been 210 investigations with 68 arrests and 29 convictions of health care professionals (I use that term very loosely in this case), and over 1000 unknowing patients have been scammed. In an article published in the San Antonio Business Journal, The Coalition charged with educating consumers on safe choices in cosmetic injections and eradicating the use of counterfeit and illegally imported cosmetic injectables suggests all consumers follow very cautious steps for both safe, and positive outcomes:
— Doctor: Ask specifically about your doctor or injector’s
qualifications. Choose a doctor who specializes in treating all cosmetic
concerns of the face, such as a board certified plastic surgeon, facial
plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon or dermatologist and who examines
you, prescribes and performs cosmetic injections in a licensed and
properly equipped medical facility. Establish a positive and on-going
relationship with your doctor and follow-up as directed. A nurse or
physician’s assistant may perform your injection if you elect, but
a licensed physician must prescribe the treatment.
— Brand: Ask specifically the brand name of the injectable recommended for
you, the approval status of regulatory agencies in the country where you
will be treated (the U.S. FDA in the United States) and about any
potential outcomes and the likelihood of adverse events. If your doctor
does not offer, ask specifically to see the packaging and identifying
marks that can verify authenticity, including the serial and lot number
(which as a matter of proper procedure must be recorded in your medical
chart). For reference, images of all U.S. FDA approved brand logos and
packaging are available at. www.injectablesafety.org/html/ataglance.php.
— Safety: If you suspect your injector is not properly trained, is not
following proper procedure or is injecting you with a non-branded,
non-approved or unsafe substance, do not accept treatment. Follow-up by
anonymously reporting suspected illegal activity to your local FDA field
office that can be found at
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/oci072307.html.
To learn more about the benefits of cosmetic injections, the uses for approved cosmetic injectables, to plan for your treatment, see video of live, appropriately administered injectables and more visit www.injectablesafety.org and http://www.realself.com/injectable-safety-campaign. Choose your physician carefully.
