New FDA Warning for Facial Fillers

This weekend the FDA posted a new warning for both the manufactures of facial fillers, and for practitioners who inject the products. New labeling will include the following notice:

Warning: One of the risks with using this product is unintentional injection into a blood vessel. The chances of this happening are very small, but if it does happen, the complication scan be serious, and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blinds, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring of the skin. If you have changes in your vision, signs of a stroke, (including sudden difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs, difficulty walking, face drooping, severe headaches, dizziness or confusion) white appearance of the skin, or unusual pain during or shortly after treatment, you should notify your health care practitioner immediately."

Dr. Bash does all of her own injections--she does not have her staff injecting, specifically for this reason. Yes, it may cost a little more that at a medispa (and many nurses who do the injections do a wonderful job). BUT--can they recognize and TREAT a complication??

Make sure you know who is doing your injections and what their qualifications are. Who is the medical director? Where are they? What is the medical director's specialty? Can the medical director treat a complication? Be a smart consumer!!

Who is really qualified to inject Botox® and fillers?

Have you ever wondered why prices vary so much on Botox®? Have you ever wondered why your less expensive Botox® didn’t last very long? Neurotoxins such at Botox can only be purchased from the manufacturer or a licensed distributer.  Very inexpensive product can be purchased over the internet from foreign countries (which is illegal) and may be counterfeit.

Prices are usually higher if the plastic surgeon is doing the injections. The board certified plastic surgeon has the most training and expertise to handle any problems that could occur.

In the state of Arizona, the following licensed professionals may inject Botox® or dermal fillers:

• MD
• DO
• Naturopathic physician (NMD)
• Nurse Practitioner (NP)—does not require supervision by a doctor

Per the Arizona Board of Nursing, a licensed RN in Arizona may inject if:

• The can show they have taken a course on injection and have adequate training
• They have immediate access by phone with the supervising MD or DO 
• AND that supervising physician is available in person within 4 hours when requested by the nurse or the patient. 

If you are having injections done in a med spa by someone who is not a physician, always ask who is doing the injections (RN, NP, etc.) and ask about their qualifications. Who is the medical director? What is the medical director’s specialty, and what is their board certification? Does the doctor also do the injections? Can the medical director handle any complications?

Be safe.  Be smart. Ask.