Is a lip-plumping party marked on your monthly calendar? 

The latest trends in convenient spa treatments and parties for a ‘girl’s night in’ is the BOTOX party, a get-together hosted at a local spa or at someone’s homes. These party spots have become the new place to find Restylane, Juvederm and other dermal fillers so that anyone can enjoy the benefits of lip enhancement or wrinkle reduction.   

While the idea of enjoying a BOTOX treatment from the comforts of the spa sounds enticing, the injectables you receive could be dangerous if there's no sign of a physician on the guest list.

The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety has issued a warning for anyone who is accepting injectables at a venue outside of a physician’s office. The coalition recently announced that:  

“…despite the interest, consumers must remember these are medical treatments. It is against physician codes of ethics to offer medical treatment as a prize or winning of any kind.”   (Source: InjectablesSafety.org)

The Real Problem with Injectables Parties  

From BOTOX to Restylane, it’s easier than ever to purchase cosmetic injectables online and from various distribution centers. However, the real challenge is finding a qualified physician to administer the formula so you’re not left with an infection or complications. Although filler treatments seem like a simple process, there are specific protocol for administering these drugs and managing any side effects; a licensed physician can help detect problems and manage any complications if they should arise.     

A physician must also perform a thorough examination and health background check to make sure you will not experience adverse side effects or an allergic reaction from the treatment. They must use safe and sterile equipment, wear gloves throughout the procedure, and be well-trained in handling the process from start to finish. Unfortunately, injectables parties don’t come with any guarantee of safety when there is no physician or appropriate equipment available. If the injectables are administered by an unlicensed professional, you may be putting your health at risk.  

Cosmetic Injectables – Are They Real or Fake?  

If horror stories of filler treatments gone wrong aren’t enough of a deterrent for joining the festivities, there’s another reason to steer clear of events that offer injectable cosmetic treatments – unauthentic products.

Injectables available at a certified and licensed physician’s office will be shipped in their regular packaging and be stamped with proof of authenticity. If you’ve found bargain BOTOX or other dermal fillers at a deep discount, there’s a good chance they’re imitation products which may be lead to adverse outcomes. Injectables made with imitation ingredients can cause infection and severe allergic reactions, and some can 'migrate' to other parts of the face if they haven't been injected properly. 

From contests at the spa to at-home parties offering the latest treatments, injectables parties may seem like the perfect way to finally try BOTOX or other dermal fillers. If there’s no physician in sight, however, you could be putting your health at risk. It may be safer to head to that party for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres – and say ‘pass’ to the tray of injectables.

Finding a licensed physician to administer BOTOX or other dermal filler treatments is still the safest way to enjoy the benefits of injectables without the extra health risks. Learn more about dermal fillers and BOTOX in our information guide, or locate a cosmetic surgeon in your area who is qualified to provide the treatment you need.