It’s really no surprise that Botox injections are the most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. In the time it takes you to change a load of laundry, you can be on the road to having a more youthful appearance. There is no recovery time and the results are visible almost instantly. With such popularity, there inevitably comes dishonest individuals trying to capitalize on what they see to be a money maker.

Over the past year, there have been an increasing number of incidents involving practitioners trying to pass off various substances as Botox. The problem got so bad that in October 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement explaining to consumers the importance of using only FDA-approved Botox. The agency also alerted 230 medical practices that they may have unknowingly purchased counterfeit Botox from an unlicensed online pharmacy.

“Anybody that chooses to buy outside of the legitimate drug supply chain is going to run the risk of receiving unapproved or counterfeit medicines,” an FDA spokesperson said to Portland, Oregon, CBS affiliate KOIN.

Fake versions of the drug may have additives and other ingredients that may be harmful to patients. Pharmaceutical company Allergan is the only FDA-approved maker and distributor of Botox Cosmetic. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor how he or she obtained Botox. Keeping yourself healthy and safe should be your top priority.

If you have questions about dermal injections or any other cosmetic procedure, contact The Lett Center today!