Do-it-yourself injection of dermal fillers ’scary’

Dermatologist Don Groot shudders when he thinks about the average person trying to inject themselves with Botox or other dermal fillers in front of a bathroom mirror.

But it’s a grim reality now that do-it-yourself Botox kits have surfaced on the Internet, even though they aren’t approved in Canada.

For as little as $100, the kits contain needles, saline (for mixing with the Botox powder), Botox powder and a facial diagram showing where to inject the product.

From doctor’s and dentist’s offices to various spas, Botox has become available in a wide variety of settings.

In Canada, only licensed physicians can purchase the age-defying product, but who is holding the needle is a different story.

Groot is quick to point out that Botox is one of the many trade names for botulinum toxin — a neurotoxic protein that should only be in the hands of a professional.

“I think it’s frightening you can pretty well get it anywhere you want. Even in the best of hands complications can occur,” said Groot, who believes the federal government should impose tighter restrictions on the use and application of Botox.

“There’s certain people who should not be doing these things. My greatest concern is the patient is unaware and in a situation where they don’t know about the person who’s using it.”

At least 50% of the patients Groot sees come for Botox injections. Of those, about 85% are cosmetic related, while others use the product to treat medical conditions.

And while the injections leave many people feeling more confident and looking younger, Groot warns too much Botox is never a good thing.

Common side effects and risks associated with too much Botox include pain, bruising, swelling, soreness, asymmetry in the face, “droopy face,” permanent numbness and lack of movement.

Groot has yet to “fix” any faces from Botox or dermal fillers gone wrong, but dermatologist Barry Lycka has had a few clients come to him for help.

“Sometimes we can, sometimes we can’t correct it. It all depends what they had done,” said Lycka. “It’s scary to see people wanting to get just a cheap deal out of this.”

Becky Wilkins, clinical director of External Affairs Clinical Spa, is a registered nurse who’s undergone specific training from the product manufacturer on how to give injections for Botox and other dermal fillers.

Aside from receiving the necessary training, she said it’s the amount of experience that makes someone qualified to do the job and knowing how to deal with any complications.

She said one of the most important things about the whole process is a thorough consultation with the patient and physician to assess their expectations.

“This isn’t for everybody and that’s what people need to know. Some people have unreal expectations,” said Wilkins, who is supervised by a physician. “It’s all about making the face look like it did 10 years ago — not changing it, just restoring the volume.”

• Although there are several types of dermal fillers, Juvaderm and Restalyne are among the most commonly used. The fillers are made from hyaluronic acid and injected into the skin to enhance volume, diminish wrinkles and fill in depressed scars.

• The average cost of a dermal filler treatment is between $500 to $2,000, depending on the needs of the patient.

• The length of the procedure is 15 to 30 minutes with a recovery time of zero to 10 days, depending on the filler and area treated. Patients usually go back for treatments two to three times a year.

• The average cost of Botox is about $230 per syringe. Botox differs from other dermal fillers in that it prevents the muscles from contracting and causing wrinkles to form. It is often used in conjunction with other dermal fillers.

Source:  By PAMELA ROTH (pamela.roth@sunmedia.ca), Edmonton Sun, February 26, 2011 at http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2011/02/26/17420521.html