Botox and hyaluronic acid injections: beware of false promises on social media networks

In recent years, the increase of 'cheap' beauty treatments advertised on social media networks has given rise to a worrying phenomenon: the increase in botox and hyaluronic acid injections performed by unqualified individuals.

In France, although the rules governing the use of injectable beauty products are very clear - only qualified doctors or surgeons are authorized to carry out Botox or filler injections - there is a plethora of unqualified practitioners, people posing as beauticians or 'beauty experts', who use Instagram or TikTok to attract customers. The promise? Prices well below those charged by professionals.

These practitioners have no medical training or knowledge of anatomy. What's for more, they often use products that come from dubious origin or counterfeits, sometimes purchased on unregulated markets with no traceability.

They mainly target young women, with tempting offers - often offering 'whole face' packs - and not without health risks.

Real health risks

The consequences for those who use unauthorized practitioners are very real, and sometimes long-lasting. Infections, abscesses and skin necrosis are among the most common complications. Illegal injections can cause irreversible and permanent damage such as circulation problems, partial muscle paralysis and, in the most serious cases, blindness.

Many patients don't even know what they've been injected with, seeing as the products may be counterfeit and fail to meet safety standards.

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In the past, plastic surgeons' unions and scientific associations have issued numerous alerts, denouncing the fact that many fake surgeons work in apartments, beauty salons or makeshift premises, with no supervision and no possibility of medical assistance in the event of an emergency.

All specialists agree on one fundamental point: botox, hyaluronic acid and other fillers should only be administered by qualified healthcare professionals, in an approved clinical setting and with certified products.

Social media promotions, video tutorials or 'package' offers cannot replace years of medical training, nor the ability to treat complications which can sometimes be very serious.

How can I protect myself?

Tips to avoid falling into dangerous traps are simple:

- Check that the person giving the injection is a licensed physician;

- Beware of offers that are too cheap, or from people working outside medical practices;

- Ask for informed consent and explanations of products and risks;

- Do not rely on tutorials or 'do-it-yourself' methods.

(MP/©60 Millions de Consommateurs via GreenMe.it/translation and adaptation: The Global Lifestyle/Illustration: Unsplash)