How to Avoid Fake Botox - Restore SD Plastic Surgery

It sounds like it would be impossible in the United States in 2024, yet the news of patients being hospitalized after receiving fake, counterfeit Botox® is real. The New York Times covered it, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning, complete with photos of the fake Botox packaging.

This news simply underscores the importance of working with a board-certified plastic surgeon, or an injector who is overseen by one, who has administered real Botox for years. Dr. Katerina Gallus has purchased our Botox from AbbVie, Botox’s manufacturer, for years, so we not only know precisely what the specialized packaging looks like, but we have an ongoing relationship with trustworthy distributors.

Here, we explain how patients can avoid fake products.

Verify provider credentials

Verify that your injector is either a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse specifically trained in administering Botox. A physician is required to purchase real Botox, and they oversee patient treatments, even if a nurse or other medical professional is performing the actual injections. Beyond having access to legitimate and safe injectable products, physicians are best equipped to handle a complication, should one arise.

Check the packaging and labeling

Botox is FDA-approved and subject to strict regulations. Note that there is no generic “off-brand” for Botox, but there are several similar and perfectly safe, FDA-approved neuromodulators: Jeuveau®, Xeomin®, Dysport®, and Daxxify®. These 5 FDA-approved products are the only neuromodulators you should have injected into your muscles. This recent announcement from the FDA contains photos of the differences between real vs. fake Botox packaging.

Woman getting Botox injections from a qualified Botox provider

Check the price

If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is. Extremely low prices can be a sign of counterfeit products. In 2024, Botox® costs around $14 per unit, give or take a few dollars depending on if the practice is running a special, or if the Botox is administered by a nurse or a plastic surgeon. Treatment for the 11s (glabella) requires around 20 units, while the crow’s feet require about 12 and the forehead about 20. (To estimate the cost per treatment area, multiply that number by $14.) While units are calculated differently for other neuromodulators, the overall cost over time will be roughly similar.

Look for reviews and recommendations

Reputation matters, so research the clinic and the injector. Positive reviews and testimonials from previous patients tend to indicate a trustworthy provider—but if they only have a handful of patient reviews, that’s a red flag. If you have friends or family who have had successful Botox treatments, ask for their recommendation as a first step in finding a legitimate practice before checking reviews.

Verify that your injector is either a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse specifically trained in administering Botox.

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about the product, the treatment plan, the procedure, and your injector’s credentials! A reputable practitioner will be transparent and provide all necessary information. If you’re seeing them for the first time, they may not remember to spell out their credentials as a nurse, physician assistant, or plastic surgeon, but you should feel free to ask, “What is your medical training?” and “How long have you been offering injectables?” Those of us who are experts in the field are happy to answer these questions and share our training background.

Expect a medical consultation process

Be wary of providers who do not offer a thorough consultation process in a professional clinical setting. Discussing your medical history and expected outcomes is crucial, as well as talking you through the potential treatment options and the risks and side effects involved.

If you are in the greater San Diego and La Jolla area, Dr. Katerina Gallus and our team would be happy to work with you for your Botox! Dr. Gallus is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a nationally-renowned expert in plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. Call 858-224-2281, or fill out the form below, to schedule your consultation today!