Counterfeit Botox and Dermal Fillers: The Dangers

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors' partner Michael Saul took part in an Instagram Live discussion with Save Face, a national register of accredited practitioners who provide non-surgical cosmetic procedures, to discuss the safety of certain non-invasive procedures and the legal proceedings behind claiming against any issues caused.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors has been working with Save Face since 2019, aiming to promote a safer cosmetic treatment industry. Save Face works to ensure that every practitioner and clinic on their register has been inspected and can match up to their robust set of standards. They understand the issues that can arise with non-surgical procedures and strive to make cosmetic treatment as safe as possible.

The interview looked at two main issues: counterfeit Botox and the dangers of dermal fillers. We take an in-depth look back at what was discussed in the Instagram Live interview.

Counterfeit Botox

Counterfeit Botox is extremely dangerous. Not only does the patient not know what is being put in their face, but the ingredients that are generally used in counterfeit products will cause adverse reactions within the body.

Licensed products go through rigorous testing before they are allowed to be used; every single batch of the product has to be tested and approved before being distributed. This strict testing and distribution drastically decreases the chances of issues with the product. The same cannot be said for unlicensed products; these products go through no testing and can contain any number of unsafe ingredients.

Save Face has stressed the importance of asking your cosmetic practitioner what filler you will be given, urging patients against accepting the solution without first checking. If you are unfamiliar with the name of the filler that they plan to give you, ask questions and conduct your own research into the product.

We also encourage anyone undergoing a Botox procedure to ask the cosmetic practitioner to inform you of the batch number of the product used. As the patient, you are well within your rights to request this information. If the practitioner is hesitant to give this information, this is a cause for concern and we recommend that you do not proceed with the treatment. Should you need to make a claim against your cosmetic practitioner, having the batch number is significantly beneficial to the speed at which your case can move forward.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are designed to fill in lines and wrinkles and add volume to areas such as your lips or cheeks. Most fillers that are used in the UK contain hyaluronic acid - a substance that naturally exists in your body.

Like Botox, dermal fillers can cause issues. Ensure that you are able to check the batch number of the product being used by your medical practitioner.

Problems can also occur during dermal filler procedures where the product is injected directly into an artery. Injecting the filler directly into an artery is likely to represent malpractice and, in experienced hands, should not happen.

We have seen firsthand the issues that can happen when the procedure is dealt with in a negligent manner. One client we have handled a case for suffered vision loss from the filler procedure going wrong.

It is vital that you check the credentials of your cosmetic practitioner beforehand and do your own research into the dermal filler product they intend on using during your procedure.

If you have had a treatment go wrong then you could be eligible to make a botox compensation claim.

Our advice

We implore those thinking of undergoing any cosmetic procedure to take a look at Save Face’s checklist beforehand.

If you have suffered due to cosmetic negligence, we are here to help. Contact us today for a call with one of our experts on 0808 252 0175, or fill in our online contact form to request a callback.