In the pursuit of anti-aging and improving facial appearance, injecting botulinum toxin is a common cosmetic procedure. However, the New York City Department of Health issued a warning on April 19 that three New Yorkers have recently shown symptoms of poisoning after receiving botulinum toxin injections. The three cases are currently under investigation, with at least one involving unlicensed individuals performing unauthorized injection procedures. The public is advised to be cautious.
Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, commonly used in both medical and cosmetic fields. It is manufactured into various branded products for commercial and medical purposes such as Botox, Daxxify, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin.
The Health Department mentioned in a statement that similar cases have also been reported elsewhere in the United States, with most involving unlicensed providers of botulinum toxin injections, counterfeit products, or injections given in non-clinical settings such as homes and spas.
“Although the process of injecting botulinum toxin may seem simple, it is indeed a medical procedure,” said Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the Commissioner of Health for New York City. “New Yorkers should not allow friends to perform injections, receive injections at gatherings, or get injections from non-medical professionals like beauticians.”
Commissioner Vasan further cautioned that “unbelievably low prices or service providers failing to explain surgical risks and side effects are clear warnings indicating that the product or service may be illegal and could pose health risks.”
The neurotoxin produced by botulinum can attack nerve cells in the body, causing muscle paralysis, especially in the eyes, cheeks, and mouth, and can subsequently spread to the arms and legs. However, in the field of cosmetics, the dosage is strictly controlled, well below the toxic levels that lead to poisoning. Exceeding the regulated dose can lead to severe conditions such as difficulty breathing and even death.
The Health Department stated that the patients in the reported cases exhibited severe symptoms such as double vision, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing, and are currently hospitalized for treatment.