My deepest regret is ever stepping foot in this clinic ran by Dr. Elena Martin and trusting Dr. Andrei Popa (a collaborating physician) with Botox injections. I specifically asked about any risks, and he assured me there were none. Shockingly, I wasn’t even given a consent form to sign before the procedure.
Within mere days of receiving just a few units, I began to experience symptoms indicative of Botox poisoning. I immediately reached out to Dr. Popa, only to be met with dismissive responses, and wrong diagnosis (blepharitis, allergy , lymphatic issues - all of which I didn’t have before the injection) claiming these symptoms couldn’t possibly be from Botox and urging me to explore other causes—even COVID. As time went by, my symptoms increased in severity to the point I was experiencing almost every symptom listed in the Botox black box warning indicative of systemic spred, yet Dr. Popa continually gaslit me, insisting that such reactions “never happen as such low doses”.
Over the past several months, I have drained an immense amount of physical and mental energy, along with substantial financial resources, undergoing exhaustive medical testing—each test returning normal results. And yet, through exclusion of all other medical conditions, Iatrogenic Botulism — toxin poisoning directly caused by the Botox - was admitted by an infectious disease doctor, a neurologist as well as an immunologist with no protocol for resolution other than waiting and hoping the body will metabolize the toxin properly.
I'm writing this message to warn others about the potential risks associated with Botox injections. No matter the experience of the injector, the reputation of the clinic, or any previous positive experiences with Botox, serious complications can still occur. It's crucial to be aware that, should anyone experience these side effects, medical professional have limited options to address them, leaving patients largely on their own to manage the consequences. This is a real and significant risk, and anyone considering these treatments should be fully informed before proceeding.