BOTOX: Getting a legitimate treatment

Can you believe it? Two weeks ago Priscilla Presley made the headlines when Fake Botox Doc, Dr. Daniel Serrano, was re-arrested in order to be deported back to his native Argentina. Convicted in 2003, Dr. Serrano was busted for injecting Ms. Presley and other celebrities like Shawn King, Larry’s wife, and Lionel Ritchie’s then wife, Diane with an industrial-grade silicone not fit for existence in the human body.

Ms. Presley is currently undergoing treatments to undo the damage from the doctor she thought was injecting her with Botox® His re-arrest is in conjunction with allegedly smuggled this stuff into the United States and promoting it as a new, better-than-Botox wonder-drug.

So, why would you care about Hollywood celebrities getting duped? You’d think that they’d know better, wink wink. But, they’re like many consumers; they’re searching for the next big, miracle cure for marionette lines, crow’s feet and droopy eyelids. These people wanted to be ahead of the crowd. Right now, better to be in the crowd of FDA- approval than not.

Before you end up with some low-rent, and, potentially lethal, substance, here are some tips to make you’re getting real Botox®, Juvederm®, Radiesse® and Restylane®.

5  Things You Should Know About Botox and Fillers

1) What is Botox? Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse?

Botox® and these fillers are FDA-approved substances. Botox is a purified protein and a finished medical prescription product meaning it’s derived from botulism, not made of it. Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse are fillers that plump up or replace volume lost as skin ages. Each one is non-toxic and, depending on the product, can last from 3 to 18 months.

2) What should it cost?

Botox and fillers should cost $200-$800 per treatment. Botox is applied per site (like forehead, eyebrow, crow’s feet, etc.) Fillers are priced per syringe and are be applied in several areas of the face until the syringe is exhausted.

3) Who is authorized to give these injections?

In California, only licensed physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants are authorized to give ANY injections including Botox and fillers.

4) How do I verify authentic practitioners?

Look in their office for diplomas and/or medical licenses. You should ask your provider about the number of years they have been doing the treatments, how many treatments they performed, if they have been certified on the treatments, and are they members of medical cosmetic dermatological societies. Most importantly you need to trust your instincts about your clinicians. And, remember, legitimate medical professionals will accept all forms of payment, not just cash.

5) How do I know I’m getting a legitimate product?

Legitimate Botox is identified by the hologram on the vile confirming it’s an authentic Allergan product. Fillers have their product name on the vile which you are encouraged to ask for should you feel uneasy.

Had Ms. Presley and her buddies followed any of these steps they would have save themselves pain, disfigurement, plea bargains (in Ms Ritchie’s case) and money. Do it right the first time and you’ll thank yourself in the future.