How Can I Be Sure My Doctor is Using a New Needle when Injecting?

This question may not be as far-fetched as it seems.

There is tremendous price pressure on 'injectors' to inject filler or Botox for the lowest cost per unit.  Ads at medi-spas tout ultra low prices, some that approach the cost of the product itself.

How can clinics do things for such a low price, and what are the warning signs?

A patient must trust their injector.  They must trust the product they are receiving.  They must trust the integrity of the finances.

Unfortunately practices are rampant that endanger patient safety, and nothing is being done about them.  Here are the warning signs:

1.  Unclean appearing staff.  

Why can't my injector afford a clean uniform?  What else are they cutting costs on?

2.  Reusing syringes

Did your injector offer to save the unused portion of the syringe for you for next time?  If so, this is an unclean practice that can allow contamination of the product, spoilage, and mixing of patient samples.  It should never be done.  Oops, you just got hepatitis C, well at least you saved $50 on your treatment!  Good luck recovering money to pay for a lifetime of medical costs from a marginally qualified practitioner with no assets and marginal insurance.

3.  Semi-medical setting.  

Nail cutting.  Brow waxing.  Botox.  These unfortunately don't mix well.  Medical treatments should be performed in a medical setting.

4.  Price too good to be true.

How do you know what you are paying per unit?  The patient doesn't know.  It comes down to trust.

So if you are feeling uneasy in your 'injector's' office, move on.

It is good that you are looking out for your safety when having a Botox treatment. For starters, you should be conscious of the following:

1) Be sure you are receiving the treatment by a board certified physician at a reputable clinic.     They are likely to use a safe and sterile process to administer your injections.

2) If you are concerned, ask them to set up the treatment where you can see.

To address what you mentioned about leftover filler, any leftover filler will be stored and labeled precisely for the patient the next time they arrive. Furthermore, a new needle should be used for the vial the leftover filler is in. As mentioned, ask to see the setup to ensure you are receiving the best possible care for your treatment. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

If you're visiting a reputable practice, you should be confident that they're using new product with all treatments. If you're concerned, discuss this with your injector, prior to receiving injections.