The use of fillers can be extremely dangerous to one’s health if the source of the filler is unclear or if a cheaper product is used.

In the aesthetic revolution that modern cosmetology has spawned, 59% of respondents likened getting a “tweak” to getting a manicure.

Because of the widespread availability of fillers and Botox, a standard of beauty has emerged that is both unrealistic and unattainable for most people. This is the “Kylie Jenner Package,” as some unqualified aestheticians have dubbed it.

In the United Kingdom, the market for non-invasive medical procedures is valued at around $4.6 billion. And while non-invasive procedures can be game-changers in the right hands, and are generally safe, in the wrong hands they can cause serious damage. The death of model Ashten Gourkani has been attributed to injections she received from an “unlicensed” medical professional.

The current trend of using fillers or putting any faith in their low cost is misguided. How some clinics can offer 1 mL lip procedures for as little as £99 ($125) when a syringe of high-quality filler can cost hundreds is a mystery.

When the source of the filler is unknown or when a cheaper product is used (which is typically the case), the use of fillers can pose serious health risks.

It is possible that the composition of this filler is unknown, which could increase the risk of failure and infection, reduce the patient’s lifespan, and result in unfavorable outcomes.

Current regulations make it possible for anyone with a few hours of training to inject fillers. Unlike pharmaceuticals, fillers are not subject to the same strict regulations. However, Botox requires a medical professional’s prescription and is strictly controlled. In spite of this, unlicensed medical professionals continue to be successful in obtaining it. 

It is highly questionable whether or not a non-medical person could demonstrate sufficient competence in anatomy and physiology through the completion of such a course.

Should a problem arise, medical staff will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to handle it.

Since the face is a complex anatomical structure, injecting into it requires extra care. This pertains to the specifics of the injection itself, such as the location, orientation, depth, and direction of the needle.

According to the research paper by Walker et al. (2018), there have been a total of 98 extremely rare reports of blindness. This shows how potentially “dangerous” filler work can be, despite the fact that it did not disclose which type of practitioner—medical or non-medical—was responsible for it.

Understanding the client’s needs and motivations is, however, just as crucial.

Medical personnel should prioritize patient safety when making treatment decisions involving filler.

Medical professionals should adopt a “safety first” mentality when deciding who gets filler and why.

In order to get to the bottom of what drives each individual client, it is now standard practice to conduct a psychological evaluation and determine the patient’s mental capacity to consent to treatment, with some consultations taking as long as an hour.

A doctor’s primary concern is always the well-being of their patient, not making a quick buck or expanding their clientele. There is no universal solution. Every patient is unique, and their care plan should reflect that by addressing their specific issues and concerns, fitting their age and appearance, and avoiding unnecessary procedures.

Anyone considering filler work should take the following important factors into account:

• Whether the provider possesses a valid medical license
• Getting to know the injector and feeling comfortable with them is important, but remember that price isn’t always indicative of how competent they are.
• Consultations are invaluable opportunities to learn more about the process and get your questions answered. 

In 2021, the government began its crackdown on cosmetic procedures and prohibited minors from receiving injectables.

An amendment was brought forward to the Health and Care Act 2022 in the preceding year in order to facilitate the establishment of a national licensing system for non-surgical cosmetic procedures throughout the entirety of England.

Under the new rules, it will be illegal for unqualified individuals to perform medical procedures on patients. After public and stakeholder input is considered, specific treatments may require a license.

Botox and filler treatments for cosmetic purposes are illegal for those under the age of 18, and advertisements for cosmetic procedures on television and social media are prohibited for people under the age of 18.

They are moving forward with plans to introduce a licensing scheme in England that will make it illegal for unlicensed individuals to perform certain non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

It is possible to learn how to administer Botox injections without running the risk of experiencing adverse effects by participating in Dentox, an educational program that is designed for professionals working in the fields of medicine and aesthetics. Contact Dr. Howard Katz to find out more about Dentox programs. 

You also have the option of enrolling in a live online or on-demand course or going to a seminar in person at one of the numerous locations spread out across the United States. To access online courses for botox training, please go to https://dentox.com/all-courses/botox-training/, and to access live courses with actual patients, please go to https://dentox.com/live-courses/.