Can I Get Imported Botox Cosmetic for a Lower Cost?

Question

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?

Adam Schaffner, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

I would be very careful shopping by price for a cosmetic treatment that affects how you look but especially if you know that the product you are using may not be authentic Botox Cosmetic by Allergan.   
There have been cases of Botox being imported from Mexico and South American which have actually come from China (called "dirty Botox" because it is different than Botox and not pure toxin) or from labs producing very concentrated botulinum toxin, intended only for research purposes, and selling it to physicians in place of Botox.  The physicians are usually not even aware they have a dangerous or impure product.  Significant side effects and even deaths have occurred in some cases. 
If a physician is willing to take risks with your health by using imported "Botox" from outside the country just to save a few bucks, not knowing 100% that it is actual Botox Cosmetic from Allergan (or Dysport from Medicis), he is probably not a very ethical physician and I would suggest you find another physician for your treatment.  
Please don't shop by price.  You get what you pay for...and sometimes more than what you pay for, but would never want!

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

We know of several facilities in our area that use imported Botox. While there may be no difference in the quality of Botox, it has had to travel a much further route in making it to your friend's office than if it were to come through the normal channel, and therefore may be subject to quality control issues. In addition, as other practitioners have pointed out, it is illegal for a physician to import Botox from another country.
Botox is a drug that is very closely controlled from the time it is manufactured to the time it is delivered, especially because there are very temperature sensitive storage issues.  If you are being injected with Botox from a foreign country, there is always a chance that it has not been subject to the same quality control measures on it's journey to the office and therefore may be compromised.
Our final question to you would be -- If your physician is willing to cut corners like this with your care, what other corners do you think they might cut? It brings into question the trust that needs to be present in a healthy patient/practitioner relationship.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a number of illegitimate facilities purchasing botox from Mexico or Canada.  However, the savings is not worth the increased risk.  In the United States, only Botox from Allergan is FDA approved.

Patricia Farris, MD · Answer

You have to be really careful shopping price on Botox. Some injectors will use less units therefore charge less but  the results don't last near as long. I always tell patients that the with Botox you get what you pay for. Make sure your injector has experience and that you are getting an appropriate dose of the real thing.

Can I Get Imported Botox Cosmetic for a Lower Cost?

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Answer: Cheap Botox not worth the risk

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Answer: Cheap Botox is no bargain

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Can I Get Imported Botox Cosmetic for a Lower Cost?

Answers (9)

Answer: Cheap Botox not worth the risk

Answer: Cheap Botox not worth the risk

Answer: Cheap Botox is no bargain

Answer: Cheap Botox is no bargain

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.