Colorado is a leading state for mishandled botox

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — An investigation reports harmful reactions form counterfeit or mishandled botox injections, including here in Colorado. The CDC, FDA and other local health departments say Colorado is one of the leading states reported for counterfeit or botched botox jobs.

“That’s why they came out with the show Botched, right? Because not everybody should be doing this. Not everybody should be plastic surgeons and not everybody should be injectors,” said Halle Friedman, the CEO of Robert Andrew Medical Aesthetics.

In April, 19 different states reported harmful botox reactions. Reports show Colorado is one of the top 10 states with the most counterfeit botox and plastic surgery jobs.

“I would say Colorado is probably one of the scariest states and this is where I live,” said Friedman. “But from what I’ve heard with people who have called me personally, for me to train them and their background and experience, I refuse. A lot of injectors are people who want to be injectors just because they took an online course or went up to Denver or wherever.”

People are receiving the injections from either unlicensed or untrained individuals or non-health settings like homes or spas. Some of those people were hospitalized and others were treated because of concern that the toxin could spread.

Friedman said it is crucial to do your homework before letting just anyone inject you.

“I would have to tell everybody out there to be incredibly careful. It’s one of the most dangerous things that a nurse can do or a doctor can do because they can really cause huge damage to a person’s face or other parts of their body, and some of it is irreversible,” she said.

These procedures can get pricey quickly, which is why many people are going the cheaper route.

“Price doesn’t make them better and it doesn’t mean cheaper isn’t always better. You get what you pay for,” said Friedman.

People suffering from poorly performed injections are reporting symptoms like fatigue, double or blurry vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, fatigue and general weakness.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

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