Fast facts

Botox 


What it is: Cosmetic injection to relax wrinkle-forming facial muscles intended to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Botox injections typically last up to 4 months.


What it addresses:

- Lines between eyebrows
- Furrows on forehead
- Crow's feet
- Smile lines
- Neck wrinkles
- Bell's Palsy
- Facial Asymmetry
- Excessive sweating


 
MORE INFORMATION
Question

Can I get imported Botox Cosmetic for a lower cost?

My friend’s doctor offers really cheap Botox. He says it comes from Mexico and it is real Botox, just lower price because it comes from Mexico. Is he for real?


Asked by: Anonymous from Palm Desert, CA

Answers (4)

Sort by: Most recent | Most helpful
1
May 9, 2008

Imported Botox Cosmetic

Unfortunately the answer is very much no.  Your friend's doctor is doing something both unethical and illegal. 

The DEA makes it illegal to import Botox or any other injectable from another country because they cannot monitor the product.  The other issue is that of counterfeiting, which has become big business around the globe.  This is especially true of Botox coming from Canada, Mexico, and France. 

  • The only way to assure yourself that you are getting the real thing is to copy down the lot number and call Allergan (the manufacturer of Botox) to double check that that particular lot number was delivered that the doctor who injected it. 
  • Another tip, make sure that your provider is willing to mix the Botox in front of you (it comes as a dry powder) that way you are assured they are not over-diluting their product.
2
May 6, 2008

Imported Botox KILLS!

Not only is it ILLEGAL to use imported Botox, it can kill you or cause great harm!

A physician in Florida used Mexican "Botox" that ended up causing him and his fiance to end up on life support and losing his medical license. Others have died from illegal Botox sources. This is not something to play with.

While saving a few dollars is always intriguing, this is one case where it is definitely NOT WORTH THE RISK!

Run away if a doctor ever mentions they use imported Botox. There is nothing exotic about this.

It is always a good idea to ask to look at the bottle of Botox that the physician uses. It should have the Allergan hologram, expiration date and lot number. You should also be able to find that person listed on the Allergan website.

Even though this may scare some, LEGAL Botox from Allergan is safe! No cases of Botox in cosmetic cases has caused significant harm.

3
April 24, 2008

Using imported BOTOX Cosmetic

Adam D. Schaffner, MD
Adam D. Schaffner, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

If, after being evaluated by a physician, you decide to receive an injection of BOTOX Cosmetic, be sure it is performed by a qualified healthcare professional who uses authentic BOTOX Cosmetic manufactured by Allergan. You can ask to see the bottle which will have the BOTOX Cosmetic logo, serial number, and expiration date on it.

Being injected with medication in the United States which is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is potentially dangerous and illegal. It is your health - the most valuable asset you possess. Do not place it at risk in an attempt to save a few dollars.

4
April 9, 2008

Imported Botox Cosmetic is not FDA-approved

Only Botox from Allergan, Inc. is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use to treat glabellar wrinkles in the United States. This also permits doctors to use the injectable for "off label uses" such as the crow's foot area. Use of non-FDA approved substances is illegal and history has shown that it can also be dangerous.

Write a comment

(required, shown publicly)
(required, kept private)
  • Allowed HTML tags: <p> <br> <em> <strong> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <img> <div>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • You may link to webpages through the weblinks registry

More information about formatting options

CAPTCHA
Enter the numbers in the image below (no spaces)
Image CAPTCHA

Comments for unregistered users are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our Community Guidelines

Check out more Q+A about Botox

Have a question? Ask it

IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.
  •     Cancel