Bellevue Salon Owner Convicted for Administering Fake Botox

The wave of Botox scams continue to appear across medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers around the country.

Administering counterfeit Botox is a federal offense, and many salon owners have lost their license and are looking at jail time and fees when they choose to use artificial products on their clients. Recently, Xin He, owner of a Bellevue beauty salon, was found guilty for injecting clients with counterfeit Botox and Restylane.

Prosecutors found evidence that the salon owner had falsely claimed that she was licensed to administer injectable treatments, and had been advertising the salon in the local Vietnamese-language newspaper. According to the story in the Komon News, two women suffered severe side effects from the unlicensed treatments they received at the salon, and one left with permanent scars and large lumps under the skin.

After further investigation, prosecutors found that the salon owner had also been administering other treatments that caused severe side effects. He had also been administering counterfeit Restyalne injections, another anti-aging dermal filler designed to correct fine lines and wrinkles. Investigators found evidence of counterfeit Botox on the property and the salon owner was eventually caught by an undercover agent. Investigators also searched the salon for evidence of any other drugs, and found several vials of drugs that have not been FDA-approved.

The sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2009 and the salon owner will be facing about three years in prison and will need to pay a $10,000 fine.

In order to avoid Botox scams and counterfeit products, the American Society of Plastic Surgery urges consumers to verify the track record of salon owners and medical professionals who may be administering a treatment, and to look for evidence that the salon or center is licensed to perform certain procedures.

The average price of Botox is about $300 to $400+ per injection depending on the location, so any extreme discounts on Botox should raise a red flag.

Allergan Sues FDA for Free Speech Violation

Allergan, the makers of BOTOX Cosmetic and other skin rejuvenation products, has filed a complaint in federal court in Washington against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for violation of First Amendment rights.

A recent report in the New York Times indicates that the Food and Drug Administration has imposed restrictions on Allergan’s ability to promote the unapproved uses of Botox for certain medical conditions. Allergan contends that they are not able to speak freely and truthfully with doctors and distributors about their drug products because of FDA requirements.

According to Jeffrey N. Gibbs, a lawyer in Washington that specializes in food and drug law, “this is the broadest attack on the constitutionality of FDA restrictions on speech brought by an individual drug company. It’s a precedent-setting case…They [Allergan] is seeking relief which would invalidate a number of the F.D.A regulations which restrict the promotion of drugs.”

Allergan is most concerned about Botox, an injectable toxin that has been formally approved by the FDA to treat deep wrinkles in the forehead. However, it is well-known that Botox also has a variety of medical uses including the treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and can also be used to treat muscle spasms. The lawsuit was filed shortly after the FDA required Allergan to warn all doctors and patients about the risk of complications associated with Botox which can include difficulty swallowing and breathing.

Under federal laws, drug makers such as Allergan are allowed to promote products to doctors and consumers after the product has received FDA approval, but they are not allowed to promote unapproved uses of the drug. In this situation, Allergan is not permitted to promote the fact that Botox can be used to treat more than just forehead wrinkles. In order for the company to be able to promote this fact, they would need to receive FDA approval for Botox as a drug that treats each condition.

Allergan Spends Over $1 Million to Sponsor Botox Training

With the emergence of Dysport, the new competitor of Botox in the United States, the makers of Botox have been stepping things up with a media campaign offering Botox ‘rebates’ to customer who purchased Botox in certain months in 2009. They have also been offering all-expenses-paid trips to doctors and nurses for a company-sponsored medical conference that educates professionals about the wrinkle-fighting drug.

In a recent story in The Daily Telegraph, Allergan spent approximately $1 million educating – and entertaining – doctors and nurses who may use Botox in their practice, putting them up in five-star hotels and providing meals at premium restaurants in the area over the length of the conference.

In Australia, Botox is the most requested treatment in 91 percent of clinics, and Internet searches on Google for Botox treatments in Australia have been up about 200 percent over the past year. In the United States, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that Botox is still the most sought-after minimally invasive procedure. Dysport, the new Botox rival, has yet to make its mark with multi-million dollar sales that Allergan has reported over the years. Allergan reported total product net sales at $1,118.7 million on June 30, 2009, and has also presented to the FDA results from its two Phase III studies on the use of Botox for treating headaches and migraines this summer.

For the full year of 2009, Allergan estimates that total product net sales will be $4,200 million and $4,300 million. This includes sales of Botox (expected to be $1,200 million to $1,220 million), and Latisse (expected to reach $60 million by the end of 2009). (Source: Reuters.com)

Still, Allergan is willing to spend the money towards training and education of its doctors and nurses, and will be rolling out various educational programs for medical practitioners over the next few years.

Botox Bootcamp Training Offered by International Association of Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine

An increasing number of physicians and medical spa directors are adding Botox and dermal fillers to their treatment menus to attract more patients, but these fillers can only be administered by a licensed physician or medical professional.

The International Association of Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)  is now offering a Botox training workshop for any physicians that want to add Botox to their practice. The program is designed for the specific needs of physician’s offices, and allows participants to learn best practices for administering and marketing Botox, and also get some industry insider information from a panel of dermatologists.

The IAPAM is adding Botox training as part of its Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, and will include instruction for the top five minimally-invasive procedures to ensure all participating physicians have the knowledge and training they need to offer these treatments to patients. The top five minimally-invasive procedures are dermal fillers, Botox, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser hair removal. The training will allow faculty members of IAPAM to work directly with physicians to conduct sample aesthetic patient consultations, review facial anatomy, and prepare Botox and Dysport for administration. Doctors will also learn about pain management, risk and post-treatment issues commonly associated with these fillers.

In addition to the standard training, IAPAM will be offering Advance Botox Training, or ‘Botox Bootcamp’, a two-day event that will be the most intensive hands-on cosmetic injectable training available in the United States. This will also teach physicians about industry best practices, and give physicians a chance to work with 10 to 14 live patients and receive over six hours of hands-on Botox and filler training each day. All attendees will be awarded a certificate of completion.

The Botox and dermal filler bootcamp will be taking place October 24 and 25 in Toronto, Canada. More information about the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM) can be found here.

Nevada Board of Medical Examiners Adopts Emergency Botox Regulations

The Nevada Board of Medical Examiners has adopted a new regulation to stop medical assistants at medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers from administering Botox injections to patients.

The regulation was enforced after recent controversy about unlicensed medical assistants administering Botox, dermal fillers and other procedures that are meant to be administered only by a licensed physician.

Many medical spas and aesthetic surgery centers around the country deliver a range of treatments that are not always administered under the direct supervision of the doctor. For example, medical spas that offer Botox http://www.locateadoc.com/surgery-guide.cfm/cosmetic-surgery/botox-injections-treatment , Restylane and other injectable fillers typically work with a licensed physician or medical director who may or may not be at the facility when the injection is being administered.

A recent report in the Las Vegas Sun states that the regulation in Nevada will be in effect or 120 days and is effective as of the middle of September. The new rules prohibit a medical assistant from administering Botox and other cosmetic fillers, as well as any type of anesthetic that would leave the patient unconscious or semi-conscious. Medical assistants in Nevada are also not permitted to administer any anti-inflammatory drugs or chemotherapy of any kind.

Louis Ling, the Executive Director made a statement to the press recently, indicating that “there was confusion in the press [and] it was disrupting patient care.” The issue will be presented to the 2011 Nevada Legislature to determine exactly what an appropriate role is for medical assistants working for physicians and plastic surgeons, and what type of regulations would be most effective to ensure patient safety.

Currently, unlicensed medical assistants are not permitted to use lasers of any kind to get rid of wrinkles (laser reserufacing procedures), or perform laser treatments to get rid of moles, scars or blemishes. Only a licensed physician is permitted to perform these skin rejuvenation procedures, and may work with a medical assistant who is a licensed esthetician to perform standard facial treatments or follow up with the patient.

(Source: LasVegasSun.com)

Doctor Says Botox Warnings Are Over-Sensationalized

Botox safety concerns have been in the media lately as dozens of patients report Botox abuse and the effects of bad Botox procedures from unqualified surgeons. While Botox is responsible for causing allergic reactions and adverse reactions in some people, it has been approved as a safe and effective treatment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and does not intrinsically pose any major health risks.

Dr. Jean D. Carruthers, clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada explains that while there has been some recent animal research and cases reported about the negative effects of Botox, the injectable is still relatively safe when used for cosmetic procedures by a qualified professional.

The negative publicity that Botox has received is, according to Dr. Carruthers, minimal when you consider that thousands of men and women are still booking up procedures in major cities across the country in the midst of the ‘scare.’

Patients are advised to do some researcha bout the doctor or medical spa that will be administering the injection so they can trust they are receiving an authentic product, and not a Botox knock off.

Still, it can be difficult to determine if a knock-off product will be administered. Surgeons and nurses have been in the news lately for hiding information about the  actual product they have administered, and even promoting the Botox brand and label but switching the product at the last minute.

While these are among the rare cases of Botox abuse, Dr. Carruthers believe that these types of stories get their fair share of the media spotlight, but the negative press and warnings about Botox may be over-sensationalized.

Researchers have published several studies that show that the injections are still safe to use on humans at their prescribed doses. Dr. Carruthers and her husband Alastair Carruthers, M.D. have been reviewing 851 Botox treatment sessions in 50 subjects as part of their own safety study, and are used to seeing only transient complications.

(Source: ModernMedicine.com)

Botox is More Acceptable to Generation Y

If you thought Botox was just for baby boomers, think again. According to a recent article from News.com.au, women in their mid to late 20s are flocking to the doctor’s office for their Botox fix because it’s now become fashionable to do so. These women aren’t only willing to shell out the high price for these expensive procedures, but are very comfortable with the injectable, according to some cosmetic surgeons.

Dr. Gabrielle Caswell, the head of the Cosmetic Physicians Society, explains that Botox has become more socially acceptable for younger women and is becoming a trendy thing to do.

In the United States, many physicians and medical spas attract new patients by hosting Botox parties and social events around the popular filler. Some offer raffle drawings and giveaways for free treatments, while others offer discounted treatments for the night of the event.

But how young is too young for Botox injections? U.S. laws permit patients as young as 18 to go under the knife, and many young adults up to the age of 25 are undergoing breast augmentation and liposuction to achieve their ideal look.

The appeal of Botox is something relatively new, but researchers say that the media hype around these products and the slew of celebrities that aren’t afraid to share they’ve had Botox may be spurring the trend.

The news.com.au story also points out that 20-year old Rae-Leigh Ganter reports that she has Botox injections every three months in order to keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay. Other young women simply want to get rid of fine lines around their eyebrows and forehead to achieve the flawless look they see in magazines and on television.

Still, it’s important to note that while Botox offers a number of benefits and instant results, it is not without its risks. For some people, getting Botox regularly can turn into a form of addiction. However, getting the line-zapping injection simply comes down to personal choice.

(Source: News.com.au)

Free Botox Contest Stirs Up Controversy

As millions of Americans struggle to pay for luxury treatments during the recession, some doctors and medical spas are offering incentives and discounts on coveted procedures such as Botox and other anti-aging treatments. However, a recent competition sponsored by Leonard Hair Transplant Associates in New England is stirring up some controversy on the ethics of offering free Botox treatments as a prize.

The company is sponsoring a contest for residents of Rhode Island and Massachusetts who have become unemployed, and is encouraging people to focus on improving their appearance to have a better chance in today’s competitive job market. Experts have already pointed out that looks and appearance play an important role in acquiring a new job or securing an existing one, and this contest is designed to help unemployed residents have a better chance at securing their next position.

Leonard Hair Transplant Associates is asking unemployed residents to submit a photo of themselves and a personal statement explaining why they feel they deserve to have a cosmetic procedure. The company plans to select 20 finalists, and then host a public voting session where local residents decide who will be awarded the mini-makeover. The company will be hosting the event as part of their own 20-year celebration.

Critics of the contest say that Botox giveaways and other similar contests are not necessarily an ethical way to stir up business and, according to The Plastic Surgery Channel, “offering cosmetic surgery as a contest prize disrupts the traditional relationship between doctors and patients.”

The free Botox contest is one of the first of its kind to include a public voting session to determine the winner. Other medical spas and clinics around the country have been offering free Botox sessions and running similar promotions, but the events are typically more private and may involve a raffle drawing or other type of competition to determine the winner.

Stroke Victim Restores Health with Botox

Botox is not only a popular anti-aging treatment for getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles, but hasmedicinal uses for treating migraine headaches, stopping excessive sweating, and even treating an enlarged prostate. Many people believe that Botox gives them a much-needed boost of confidence when their face is showing the signs of aging, and researchers are studying the effects of Botox for all sorts of conditions and diseases.

An Australian stroke victim recently reported that he was able to walk again after almost two decades when he received a Botox treatment in his legs. At the young age of 26, Russel McPhee of Victoria collapsed suddenly at work and recovered from a stroke that left him in a wheelchair and walker.

He lost his job and his wife left him, but he continued to undergo physical therapy using a walker to stand up and move around. When he was 49 years old, Mr. McPhee began treatment with botulinum toxin injections at the St. John of God rehabilitation Center in Nepean, Victoria. It took about 30 days for Mr. McPhee to see an improvement, and he was able to stand up without a walker shortly after.

The Times reports that Mr. McPhee says he is able to start his life all over again, and no longer has to be confined to a wheelchair.

Botox has not been approved for use in stroke victims by the United States Food and Drug Administration, but may be administered for all types of “off label” purposes by licensed doctors. Botox has been approved for use for the treatment of glabellar lines and wrinkles, and continues to be the most sought-after non-surgical cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States.

Stroke victims may have other options beyond rehabilitation and conventional treatments, but no long-term studies have been published to date to indicate that Botox is an effective treatment.

Virginia Clinic Offers Botox Bailout for Unemployed

If you’ve recently lost your job and are now joining the masses on a job hunt, paying attention to your looks may become a top priority. Thousands of Americans are heading to the cosmetic surgery clinic for a Botox fix and other anti-aging treatments so they can snag a great job, or just stay competitive with younger recruits in their industry. Since age is considered to be a handicap for many, one clinic in Virginia is offering an option or those who want to increase their chances of looking for a job.

Reveal, an aesthetic center in Arlington, Virginia, offered free Botox injections for the first 50 people who stopped by for a treatment earlier this month.  All they had to bring was a resume to be eligible for the complimentary treatment, and patients could then take part in a career event that offered networking opportunities, on-site interviews and recruiters offering tips on getting a job in today’s competitive job marketplace.

Some people believe that a Botox injection could give them a boost of confidence they need for securing that next job, and giving them a competitive edge.  According to a recent article in the Associated Press, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says it received 24,582 complaints of age discrimination from September 2008 to September 2009, a 29 percent increase from the previous year.

As more people continue to lose their jobs and join the unemployed market, finding the right match is becoming harder. More competition and young coworkers seem to be the biggest challenges for those who want to get a new start with a new career.

Botox seems to be a valuable addition to the resume for thousands of middle-aged to senior job seekers. The Reveal clinic in Virginia is one of the few cosmetic surgery centers in the country to offer complimentary services, and this could be an emerging trend in the months ahead.