Why You Should NEVER Self Administer Injectable Fillers and Botox

With relatively easy access to medical-grade products online and a myriad of social media ‘experts’ displaying questionable methods of self-injecting aesthetic products, it is easy to think that you can simply ‘do it yourself’. If you find yourself tempted to go in that direction, STOP!

While it is irrefutably true that cosmetic procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers enhance physical appearance, they must always be administered by a trained professional. Self–administration not only poses a health risk but, on a purely basic level, you only have one face, and whatever you attempt to do will be worn on that face for weeks, or worse, months, to come!

That simplistic fact aside here are other reasons why you should not DO THIS AT HOME:

1.       Lack of Medical Knowledge and Expertise.

Injecting Botox or fillers is not something you can do simply by watching a tutorial on YouTube. Licensed professionals undergo extensive training in order to fully comprehend facial anatomy, injection techniques and, very importantly, how to avoid complications – and yes, there can be complications, situations your YouTube guru did not prepare you for.

Bereft of this knowledge, you risk injecting into the wrong area which could lead to, at best, asymmetry and nerve damage and at worst PERMANENT DISFIGUREMENT. Yes, I put that in capitals, think about it for a moment. How much are you willing to risk to save a few dollars?

2.       Risk of Serious Side Effects

Even in the hands of a professional injector, Botox and fillers carry potential risks. When these substances are administered incorrectly the risks increase significantly. Common dangers include, but are not restricted to, infection. Allergic reaction, vascular occlusion. Let’s look at each one of these separately:

·         Infection – using non sterile tools or improper technique can introduce bacteria, leading to infections that may require medical intervention.

·         Allergic Reaction – without a proper medical consultation by a trained aesthetician, you may not know if you are allergic to some of the ingredients. This can result in swelling, redness or even anaphylaxis.

·         Vascular Occlusion – Injecting filler into a blood vessel can block circulation. Leading to tissue death (necrosis), scarring or even BLINDNESS. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

3.       Poor Quality Product and Authenticity

This is a big one and you may have come across items in the news about people being harmed by inferior product. When professionals administer injectables, they use FDA approved products from reputable pharmaceutical manufacturers. Many online sellers, especially those offering discounted products, may provide counterfeit or expired injectables. These can contain harmful ingredients. The consequences of using these products should need no further discussion.

4.       Unpredictable Results

Even when using the correct product, attaining natural looking results requires skill and an artistic eye. Professionals carefully assess facial balance, muscle movement, and skin texture to ensure optimal placement of product. Self-administration can lead to lumpy, uneven, or frozen results that are difficult to correct without the help of a qualified professional.

5.       Legal and Ethical Concerns

In many places it is actually illegal to administer Botox or fillers without a medical license. Should something go wrong you have absolutely no recourse or professional insurance to cover corrective procedures.

6.       Costly Corrections

Trying to save money with DIY injections very often backfires, leading to expensive corrective treatments. If a filler is misplaced, it may require dissolving with additional injections. Botox errors may take months to wear off, during which you could experience discomfort, drooping, or unnatural facial expressions.

The Safe Alternative: Seek Professional Treatment

For safe, effective and aesthetically pleasing results always seek treatment from a licensed and experienced medical professional. Not only will they use the right products and techniques, but they are also equipped to handle any complication that may arise.

At the end of the day, injectables are medical procedures and not DIY beauty hacks. Prioritizing safety over shortcuts ensures the best outcome for your appearance and health.