Proposed regulation of Botox, other wrinkle treatments
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 2.4 million people last year got Botox, the world’s most popular “wrinkle eraser.”An average treatment costs nearly $400. With prices like that, many have been lining up to provide the treatment while youth-seeking patients search out bargains.
Last year, actress Dana Delaney opened up publicly in Prevention magazine about getting a botched Botox job that caused one eye to droop. She said the wrinkle fighting toxin was improperly injected into a nerve.
Botox and other injectable treatments are controlled substances. Only someone with a medical license can order them. That has many surprised to hear there are no rules about who can inject them. In medical spas across Texas, just about anyone can wield the needle.
“As long as I’m the one purchasing it, right now I can delegate to whoever I want to,” said Dr. Lori Stetler, a Dallas dermatologist.
Stetler applauds efforts to make the lucrative anti-aging industry safer for patients.
Friday, the Texas Medical Board will consider changing who can be delegated to perform “cosmetic procedures” that use “prescription medications.” That includes Botox and a host of other wrinkle fillers, including Restylane and Perlane.
Among the considerations is limiting who can give injections to doctors, nurses or physician assistants. Training is also an issue. Currently, no experience is required.
“There’s no set or approved curriculum or licensure or anything for that,” said Stetler, who says patients can unknowingly find themselves in unqualified and inexperienced hands.
She hopes potential state-wide changes will improve the safety profile of all anti-aging clinics.
“I like the idea that they are looking into and hopefully will get rid of some of those people who are harming the public,” she said.
Friday will be the medical board’s first discussion. Action is unlikely. If the board eventually changes the regulations, anyone who breaks the rules could face punishment or potentially lose their medical license.
Source: by Janet St. James for WFAA, Posted on June 3, 2011 at http://www.wfaa.com/news/national/Proposed-Regulation-of-Botox-and-other-Wrinkle-Treatments-123051438.html
