That’s not necessarily because patients want to see someone unlicensed, though; it’s merely a cost-cutting measure. “In order to be relatively competitive against highly trained specialists, unlicensed injectors need some other appeal besides academic pedigree—hence, cost reduction,” Dr. Westbay says. “There is also a possibility that the product they are using is unlicensed and obtained at a cheaper consumable fee for the injector. With a lower consumable, the cost of product can be lowered.”
Also of note? Kitsos says patients have brought her various vials and bottles and asked her to inject them, which she’s refused. “Just like knock-off handbags, there are a lot of counterfeit injectables out there,” she says. Of course, the difference is that a fake Birkin doesn’t historically kill people.
As for how to ensure you’re getting brand-name cosmetic injections from someone who’s qualified? For one, don’t let yourself be fooled by social media. “There are many accounts with huge numbers of followers that are run by people who are not licensed,” says Kitsos.
While master injector has become a popular term for injectors online, are no actual classes or certifications that any doctor or nurse can take to certify themselves as one, according to Dr. Westbay. “Anyone can choose to write this on their website since it is not a legally regulated term,” she says, noting that those who really are “master injectors” don’t usually write that claim it on social media as they can cite their actual qualifications instead.
“It’s this line of thinking: They have a ton of followers so they must be really talented, right? or They must have so many followers because they’re really well-known in the industry. But that’s all a facade,” says Dr. Westbay.
“Likes on social media do not correlate with diplomas on the wall, experience, or expertise,” Dr. Frank reiterates, as proven by Glamour’s anonymous source. She went to an unlicensed med spa, which had an Instagram account with lots of real followers, while her injector identified himself as licensed. And she’s still suffering from botulism symptoms three months later.
“Anyone can call themselves anything, and the only real, valid qualification to do injectables is a license in the state in which the injector is practicing,” says Kitsos. “Whether it be a medical, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, or physicians assistant license, having one of these licenses is not negotiable and should be the very first thing that people look for in an injector.”
This is especially important if your injector is at a “Botox party.” According to Kitsos, an unlicensed injector was caught illegally injecting patients with unverified substances at a popular Los Angeles hotel and only accepted cash payment. “If your practitioner is injecting you in hotel rooms and only accepting cash, that is a huge red flag,” Kitsos says.
Another bad sign? “If they are injecting you with products that are not in a single, sterile container and instead pouring out products into a cup and sucking it up with a syringe,” she says.
At the end of the day, you need to put yourself and your health first—even if that means forgoing cosmetic injections or paying more than you’d like for them. “People prioritize their vanity so much that they are knowingly or subconsciously blind to the risks,” says Dr. Westbay, who likes to remind clients: You are not purchasing a syringe of Botox; you are purchasing the skill and expertise of the person administering it.
That’s why it’s imperative to see a trusted, licensed health care professional. “You can ask them for their license number, and look them up online and verify whether they actually have a license,” says Kitsos. “This is public information.”
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