You've decided you're ready to try a wrinkle relaxer like Botox & Dysport, or a dermal filler like Juvederm, Radiesse, or Restylane. Your next step is choosing a doctor - but did you know, you also need to make sure the product you're receiving is legit?
Unfortunately, we're hearing stories about counterfeit injectables being sold and used in the United States. These imitation products can be a safety concern for patients - not to mention an ethical issue if your doctor is marketing them as the real deal. At Savannah Plastic Surgery, we only sell brand-name fillers, and what we advertise is what you get.
Allure magazine recently published an article with 5 tips for protecting yourself from counterfeit fillers. Click here to read the full article; we paraphrase the 5 tips here:
1. Be sure your treatment is done by a board-certified professional.
We've said it before but we'll say it again - board-certification is important! Physicians must gain specialized skills and knowledge to receive board certification, and misconduct can result in a loss of certification. If your doctor is board-certified, that's a good sign that he or she takes the job - and your health - very seriously.
2. Ask to see the product box
- you can ask your physician to show you the box your injectable comes in.
3. Be wary of super low pricing.
We do offer discounts on fillers from time to time, but if you see a price somewhere that's too good to be true, that could be a red flag that the product may not be authentic.
4. Pay attention to any side effects.
You should always talk to your doctor about any possible side effects before receiving injectables. If there is unusual pain during treatment, or persistent redness and swelling after treatment, you may need to investigate the authenticity of the treatment you received. Any medical emergencies should be treated right away.
5. Ask for help.
If you're concerned that your side effects are abnormal, you should talk with the medical professional who treated you. If his or her answers are unsatisfactory, it may be time to get help from another doctor.