It seems that almost weekly there’s a news story about someone receiving a bogus cosmetic treatment — counterfeit Botox, an infection from unsanitary microneedling, or a procedure from a questionable provider. Why does this keep happening? The short answer is money.
The aesthetics industry is booming, with billions spent by consumers wanting to look and feel better. But the industry suffers from a lack of regulation around who is qualified to perform treatments and what results can be expected. Declining insurance reimbursement has also pushed non-core specialties into the aesthetics space.
The Dangers of Counterfeit Botox
Recent reports of counterfeit Botox causing botulism have been widely covered. The reality is straightforward: Botox, Dysport, fillers, and other FDA-approved drugs can only be obtained directly from the manufacturer by a licensed medical doctor.
At Levesque Plastic Surgery, we order Botox directly from AbbVie through our rep or their website. We receive an immediate email with order details and FedEx tracking, and the order arrives the next day in a chilled Allergan box requiring a signature. This process ensures we receive genuine product and prevents counterfeit Botox from ever entering our practice.
Counterfeit Botox typically reaches patients through providers who purchase botulinum toxin from illegitimate sources — the kind of discounted offers by fax or email that a reputable physician immediately discards. Prioritizing profit over patient care is what creates these dangerous situations.
How to Avoid Counterfeit Botox and Unqualified Providers
- Beware of deals too good to be true: if Botox normally costs around $12 per unit in Austin and you see it offered for $6, question the legitimacy. They may be using samples, over-diluted product, or counterfeit toxin to attract patients.
- Check provider qualifications: confirm the provider holds an active license to practice in Texas and has no board complaints. You can look up any Texas license at the Texas Medical Board.
- Verify training and certification: check whether the provider is board-certified in dermatology, plastic surgery, or facial plastic surgery — the core specialties trained in aesthetic treatment. You can verify plastic surgery certification at the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Be cautious with providers from unrelated specialties without dedicated aesthetic training.
- Investigate med spas: many are run by staff with only a distant medical director. Make sure the medical director is genuinely qualified and involved. Injectables are medical treatments — you deserve a true doctor–patient relationship, not a “client” transaction.
The Bottom Line
With over 100 board-certified specialists providing aesthetic treatments in Austin, why take unnecessary risks? Prioritize your health, verify credentials, and share this information with friends. For reliable Botox, Dysport, and filler treatments from qualified professionals, contact Levesque Plastic Surgery.