We live in an age of “fine adjustments.” Minimal invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox and fillers are just the usual steps in a skincare regimen. But what happens if the daily injection of Botox fails?
In January 2025, the New York-based aesthetician was arrested after being accused of injecting fake Botox injected by a client. JGL Aesthetics, a number of clients who received injections at the clinic in question, claimed they had experienced some unfavorable side effects.
If you obtain BoTox from an authorized healthcare provider, it is very unlikely to experience any type of complication. But how do you know if an injector has a good reputation? This is what experts need to know.
What is Botox? What do you have in Botox?
Botox is a neurosphere injection known for its ability to improve the appearance of thin lines and wrinkles when injected into facial muscles, says Dr. Nayoung Lee, assistant professor of dermatology at Nyu Langone. Botox also has other FDA approved uses. She says it can help treat migraines, muscle dystonia, neurogenic bladder and several other medical conditions.
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Botox is derived from Botulinum toxin type A. This is generated from Babterium clonetridium botulinum. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it just happens to be the same bacteria that cause botuhrism, a rare condition that attacks the body’s nervous system.
What is Botshythm?
Botulinum is often caused by ingesting foods contaminated with botulinum toxin (or in babies, by ingesting foods contaminated with botulinum spores), according to the CDC.
Iatrogenic botulinum is a more unusual form of botulinum. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there is a possible botox complication that can occur when botulinum toxin spreads beyond the injected area. This type of situation is very rare and “it is likely to occur because an inappropriate dose is injected or directly into the container,” says Lee.
Botulinum can cause double or blurry vision, blue sound, drooping eyelids, and difficulty swallowing and breathing. As symptoms progress, the muscles gradually become weaker. In severe cases, the respiratory muscles can become paralyzed, which can cause life-threatening situations, according to the CDC.
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Can you recover from botsir?
If it’s caught early enough, you can definitely recover from botshythm. If you are experiencing symptoms that match your illness, you should see a doctor immediately, says Dr. Raman Madhan, director of cosmetic dermatology at Northwell Health. Botulinum antitoxins can neutralize botulinum toxins that have reached the bloodstream and help prevent further nerve damage to the body. Unfortunately, the antitoxin cannot correct existing nerve damage, and the long-term effects can last for several months, Madhan told USA Today.
Luckily, when Botox is injected by a licensed healthcare provider using real ingredients, there is “a little risk of experiencing botulinum addiction,” says Madhan. The real concern is when someone is injected with fake Botox, or if they receive an injection from an individual who is unauthorized to do so.
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How to find a reputable Botox injector
When it comes to finding a reputable Botox injector, always take the time to thoroughly research your local provider. Lee and Madhan should only receive BoTox from trained healthcare providers with appropriate credentials.
There are different laws in different states regarding those who are actually licensed to inject Botox. Usually, a licensed healthcare provider is the only individual who can receive Botox injections. This includes doctors (such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and sometimes dentists), physician assistants, nurses, and registered nurses. In some states, if a non-medical administers Botox, they may need supervision from another licensed medical professional. In most states, including New York, it is illegal for aestheticians to inject Botox.
Let’s say you find a licensed provider with a sparkling review, and that provider happens to be running on Med Spa. There are many reputable Med Spas where licensed healthcare providers take all the precautions necessary to safely inject FDA-approved neuromodulators like Botox. At the same time, there are Med Spas that do not support the same fertility standards that may be found in doctors’ offices. Points are that if you choose to get Botox at Med Spa, make sure you have extensive research into the clinic. If you are on the fence, Raman says your safest bet is to get Botox from a licensed provider in the doctor’s office.
These days, Botox and other neuromodulators have become very normalized, but that doesn’t mean that this type of cosmetic procedure needs to be taken lightly. After all, Botox is still a powerful toxin. Ultimately, finding a safe and reputable injector can help you achieve the most desirable outcomes and reduce your risk of experiencing harmful complications.