eBay Freezes Ads for Illegal Botox
Who doesn’t love a good deal? The pressures of the recent economic bust have caused even the most frugal to pinch their wallets a little harder and look for ways to save on just about everything. Online shopping has made it easier to compare costs and save some extra cash with sites like eBay listing everything from DVDs to designer shoes at bargain prices. Recently however, sellers on eBay have been auctioning illegal Botox® kits and services to unsuspecting consumers. Online buyers beware.
Since receiving FDA clearance for cosmetic purposes in 2002, Botox® has become ingrained in our pop culture lexicon. As the public became more knowledgeable about the toxin, some “do it yourself” individuals feel they are skilled enough to take on the task of injecting their friends and family, or even themselves, without any prior training. This should never happen, and there are numerous reasons why.
For starters, Botox® is a prescription-only toxin that must be stored/refrigerated properly in order to maintain its effectiveness. Online buyers who purchase it from an unaccredited source have no way of knowing how or where the Botox® was located prior to showing up at their doorstep. Additionally, there is no guarantee that the product contained within the vial is actually Botox®. It’s like playing Russian Roulette with your wrinkles. Is that a risk you’re willing to take?
Furthermore, injecting Botox® is a learned skill that takes time to perfect. How many times have you seen someone with uneven brows that are arched too high, or a forehead that never moves? The end result can be drastically affected if the injector uses too much Botox®, doesn’t inject the correct area; the list goes on.
Is saving a few dollars really worth it? After all, one seemingly small mistake can cost you a lot more in the long-run. In addition to the risks just mentioned, patients stand the risk of disfigurement, infection and scarring. These effects are usually temporary, but could last up to six months. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders may be at an even higher risks for more serious side effects such as difficulties swallowing. These issues don’t typically occur within the parameters of a medical practice where you’re being injected by a skilled physician.
If you’re considering Botox® or another injectable/wrinkle filler like Restylane or Juvederm, it is in your best interest to do your research and seek out a qualified physician. Save eBay for those times that you’re searching for antiques and electronics. As of now, the site is pulling all ads offering illegal Botox®, which is an action I support whole-heartedly.
Tags: Botox, eBay, illegal botox ads, Injectables, JUVÉDERM, Restylane, Wrinkle Filler
This entry was posted on Friday, February 6th, 2009 at 3:40 pm and is filed under Cosmetic Warnings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
