In recent years, injectable cosmetic treatments like Botox, Dermal Fillers, and Biostimulators have gained widespread popularity for their ability to enhance appearance without surgery. But as demand for these treatments rises, so do cases of adverse outcomes, especially among those who opt to price shop their face. While affordable procedures may sound tempting, they often come with high risks, both in terms of health and aesthetic outcomes. In other words… “You usually get what you pay for.” Here’s what you need to know about the dangers associated with cheap Botox and fillers and why it’s crucial to choose a reputable provider.
One of the most common risks of cheap injectables is the use of unregular, foreign, expired, or overly diluted products. Low-cost providers may cut corners by using products that are not approved by health authorities like the FDA. This can lead to mild to severe side effects, as the contents may be contaminated or unstable.
These substances can lead to serious complications, including infection, inflammation, and even permanent disfigurement and since it is not regulated, you are not protected as the patient. In most cases, these types of products are not reversible. Foreign and unregulated products also come at a higher risk of infection as there is no guarantee they were packaged in a sterile manner. Finally, diluted or less-potent products will not last as long as the tested and regulated product durations, for example, a syringe of Juvederm Ultra may likely last about a year in the lip tissue, but an unknown contraband or diluted filler may last a few months at best. Same goes for the “Botox”. Diluted or less concentrated neurotoxin may not last more than a few weeks to months at best.
Another major risk is improper technique. Licensed and certified injectors undergo rigorous training to learn correct injection techniques, facial anatomy, and safety protocols. Low-cost providers, however, may lack this essential training and expertise. Improper injection can lead to serious complications, such as nerve damage, blood vessel blockage, and unintentional injection into an artery. For example, if a filler is mistakenly injected into a blood vessel, it can cut off blood supply to the skin, leading to tissue death and possibly permanent disfigurement. In extreme cases, improper injection techniques have even led to blindness, and sometimes, bilateral. With improper technique in relation to Botox injections, reports of brow and lid ptosis, diplopia, and irregularity in patients’ smiles are becoming increasingly common as unlicensed and/or untrained providers begin increasing in number. In many cases, the only resolve is watchful waiting as there is no reversal of Botox.
Even when a less qualified provider administers approved products, the results often lack the natural, balanced look patients desire. Cheap fillers can cause issues like overfilling, creating an unnatural "pillow face" or "duck lips." Additionally, these fillers may be of poor quality and degrade unevenly, resulting in lumpy or asymmetrical results. This often requires corrective procedures, which can be more expensive and invasive than the original treatment. Over time, the repeated costs of corrective treatments far outweigh any savings from the initial low-cost procedure. For example, you pay $499 for a syringe of lip filler with a low-cost provider and ultimately end up with an overfilled and migrated appearance. It alters your natural facial motions, most notably, your smile. You seek another, reputable, provider to reverse the work and re-fill the lips. The dissolver is $250/vial, and you require two. The new syringe of lip filler is $700. You’ve now paid $1699 instead of the initial $700 it would have cost to do the job correctly.
Finally, low-cost injectors may work in unsanitary conditions, increasing the risk of infection. Botox and filler treatments require an aseptic technique to minimize the chances of bacterial contamination. If treatments are administered in less-than-hygienic settings, mild to severe infections can develop. In severe cases, untreated infections can lead to systemic issues that may require hospitalization or surgical intervention. If the provider is not properly trained or licensed, it is likely they will not have the skills and knowledge required to help in that circumstance.
For those considering Botox or filler treatments, the best course of action is to prioritize safety, expertise, and reputable products. Choosing a licensed, board-certified injector may come at a higher cost, but it significantly reduces the risk of adverse outcomes, ensuring a safer, more satisfying experience. Botox and filler treatments should enhance confidence, not result in costly, painful consequences that undermine health and appearance.
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