Baton Rouge doctor talks cases of fake Botox
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning to Americans about cases of fake Botox.
The CDC said it is currently investigating 22 cases in 11 states with 11 hospitalizations. All cases involved women, ranging in age from 25-59.
“The FDA and CDC released a warning nationwide. People were being affected by counterfeit Botox, or fotox, that’s what we call it in the office,” said Todd Howell, co-owner/founder of the Aesthetic Medicine and Anti-Aging Clinics in Louisiana.
Dr. Howell has administered Botox on patients in Baton Rouge for about 20 years. He said his Baton Rouge location, 8485 Bluebonnet Blvd., administers about 800 to 1,000 units of Botox per day.
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“We are considered, I think, the top 500 companies in the country for administering Botox,” said Dr. Howell.
Dr. Howell also said during the course of his career he has never seen a case of fake Botox.
“I have never seen a case of fake Botox, ever and certainly, this is new,” said Dr. Howell.
Dr. Howell is not sure why cases are suddenly occurring in 2024, but he has tips for consumers who want to get Botox.
“Ask your provider, you know, to see what they’re using and to see the box, to see the packaging materials,” said Dr. Howell.
Dr. Howell said if the Botox has a foreign language displayed on the box or has a low price, it is most likely fake. He said people should also avoid Botox parties.
“You typically want to stay away, you know, from Botox parties, where you are not even sure where the Botox is coming from,” said Dr. Howell.
Instead, he recommends going to a certified professional who has experience administering Botox.
“We have obvious rigorous training. We are familiar with how the product works,” said Dr. Howell.
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Symptoms of fake Botox include blurred vision, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, drooping eyelids and more.
“It’s having a much more profound effect on the entire body as opposed to you know, the current cosmetic Botox that we use, which is designed to have very localized effects when we place it,” said Dr. Howell.
Dr. Howell said real Botox will relax the muscles temporarily for about three to four months. It will also get rid of fine lines and wrinkles.
The CDC has not found a case of fake Botox in Louisiana. For more information, click here.
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