Everyone loves a good deal, and everyone loves BOTOX® and fillers. At Skin Spectrum in Tucson, we want our patients to have both. But it’s important to understand the dangers of cutting corners when it comes to injectable treatments.

Even though there are legitimate reasons for seeking discounted treatments or products, the reality is this exposes them to an increased risk of negative outcomes. These can range from poor aesthetic results to dangerous medical repercussions. Safety is key when it comes to injectables and bypassing that for the sake of saving money can prove to be costly in the end. Unfortunately, we sometimes have patients who come to us after having had one of these inferior products or procedures performed elsewhere, and we have to help them to correct the damage that was done.

In this blog post, we’ll review a few red flags to watch out for, so you can make sure your experience is safe, positive, and effective.

Knockoff Products

Off-brand products may seem like a steal, but they can put you at serious risk. Since these products are not regulated by the FDA, there is no way to reliably know which ingredients they contain and whether they’re safe for use. Imported products often come with a smaller price tag, but they usually bypass federal regulations. Even if they do contain safe ingredients (which is not a guarantee), they are not held up to the strict product standards enforced in the U.S. This can lead to lumps and bumps in fillers that look noticeably unnatural.

Unqualified Injectors

Newer practices or less-than-qualified offices have been known to offer cheaper deals on injections, but they come at a huge price. Treatments administered by unqualified injectors expose you to a much higher risk of injection, nerve damage, blindness, and, in extreme cases, paralysis. While injectables are touted for their minimal invasiveness, they are still medical procedures and can cause serious harm if done improperly.

How to Stay Safe

The most important factor when shopping for injectables is choosing a board-certified physician. Not only can you then be sure your treatments will be administered safely and expertly—you will also know the products used are legitimate and regulated.

Drs. Comstock, Pai, and myself (Dr. Cope) are all certified by the American Board of Dermatology and are members of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Patients under our care can rest assured that they are receiving treatment from knowledgeable dermatologists with extensive experience in the field. This means you can count on safe injections and exceptional results.

We make a point to be at the forefront of injection techniques and technologies. We invest heavily in this additional expertise and training, and in many cases, we become the trainers for other physicians as well. The benefits of choosing an experienced dermatologist are clear. To see the proof for yourself, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.

To take your first treatment step with a qualified dermatologist in Tucson, please contact us online or call (520) 797-8885 to request a consultation.

By Austin Cope, MD, MBA