Lessons Learned the Hard Way: Dangers of Using Non-Licensed Cosmetic Injectors

Implications: Any publicized adverse events following the injection of filler materials or BOTOX Cosmetic will draw attention to risks inherent in such procedures.  This will likely have a temporary impact on the level of concern and possibly result in a transient decrease in use amongst patients.  To minimize the risk of developing complications, these injections should be performed by a well-trained, licensed medical professional who is experienced in administering such injections. 

Analysis: Any publicized adverse events following the injection of filler materials or BOTOX Cosmetic will draw attention to the fact that patients who have such injections are subject to the risk of developing complications from these injections.  This may have a temporary impact on the level of concern and even possibly the level of usage amongst patients.  In this article, the patients described were injected by a "radiology technician but had no other medical training or supervision."  Using medical grade silicone for aesthetic purposes is an off-label use.  In this article, it notes the "investigators could not identify what substances were injected."  The lesson to be learned is that to minimize the risk of complications, a patient should use a well-trained, licensed medical professional who is experienced in administering such injections and know the risks of using the substance(s) being injected.