COSMETIC FILLER CHECKLIST ™*
Yes No
o o Can the office you’re thinking about state in writing that they have NEVER re-imported Botox® or any cosmetic filler from out of the country?
Did you know that treatment by a physician of re-imported drugs like Botox® and cosmetic fillers is illegal. One of the main reasons is a lack of proper tracking and verification of legitimacy of these re-imported/imported drugs. The World Health Organization anticipated that in 2000 about 8% of bulk drugs imported to the US were counterfeit, unapproved, or substandard. That number has most likely gone up since then.
Many counterfeit drug packages/vials look amazingly authentic. The problem is what’s inside the vial/syringes may have been produced in a lab in a third world country with absolutely no safety standards. Think about what the long term potential life consequences would be of a mystery substance being injected into your face or head.
Another important thing to consider is that Botox® and some other cosmetic injectables have strict refrigeration requirements. Even if a re-imported drug was legitimately produced in the USA and sent to Europe, it may have sat in a shipping container for weeks at high temperatures. Imagine what that could do to a product that was supposed to be kept refrigerated or frozen.
o o Does the office you’re considering only do injections in a medical office setting.
Did you know that some physicians actually administer Botox® and cosmetic fillers in a party setting. Some even serve wine and alcohol at those same parties. Many of these Botox®/filler parties are done outside of a medical office settting. It’s a rare occurrence but people being treated by injectables can for unforeseen medical conditions pass out. A rented room/hall in a hotel would most likely not be an ideal setting if that were to occur.
o o Can the physician’s office you’re considering state that no one in their office has ever been sanctioned by a state or governing body like the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation?
o o Does the physician or nurse administering your Botox® or filler have the experience of hundreds or more cosmetic injections? If not, how many have they done?
o o Does the medical office your considering only injectable product from a vile in front of its patients? Does it only open cosmetic filler syringe products from the packet in front of its patients?
Always demand to see the vial/syringe and if possible watch the nurse/physician pull the product from the package or vial. Also, be sure to look for the expiration date. Don’t hesitate to request the serial number from the vial/syringe. If you have questions be sure to call the manufacturer like Allergan and read the serial number off to them. They will be able to tell you if it’s real and where it came from.
R o The Women’s Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery’s all female physician/Registered Nurse staff can answer yes to all of the above questions.
* This Checklist is sponsored by the Women’s Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery. The information listed above is designed to only help mention a few of the many questions perspective patients may choose to ask when it comes to cosmetic injectables. This list in no way should be used as a final decision of where cosmetic injectables are to be performed or with whom.
