Sometimes, when people read about the ease of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox injections or Restylane treatments, they are tricked into believing that these techniques are simple enough to be performed at venues like house or hotel parties. However, this notion is false, as there are serious risks involved in having these procedures performed by anyone except a medical professional in an appropriate facility.
In fact, a recent USA Today article reports that a main topic to be discussed at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians is the problem of at-home silicone injections, which have led to death in some cases.
The news source states that when non-medical grade silicone is injected by an unlicensed practitioner, the substance can travel to either the lungs or the brain, causing an embolism in either organ. This was the cause of death in one 22-year-old woman who was admitted to the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, as a lung complication led to a collapse of her heart.
“Sometimes the person doing the injections claims to be a physician from another country and in some cases the patient knows very well it’s not a physician but, feeling they can’t afford to go to a legitimate board-certified plastic surgeon, they find a short cut,” said Malcolm Z. Roth, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, quoted by the news source.
An experienced, accredited professional would never perform a non-emergency procedure in a setting other than a medical facility, the news source added.
Botox parties pose risks as well. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, there are some red flags that indicate that you should steer clear of certain wrinkle-reducing fests.
First, a credible practitioner will always ask for a complete medical history and ask questions to determine whether the injectable is appropriate for you. If not, they should offer alternatives. Informed consent is also something that a legitimate professional will ask for after educating you on all of the risks involved in a Botox treatment.
One good reason a person should choose a licensed facility over a Botox party is that there have been reports of individuals being injected with baby oil or other inappropriate fluids, which comes with significant health risks. Moreover, the treatment requires follow-up care, and a party practitioner is unlikely to offer such a service.
