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.

Hygiene standards need to be absolute to avoid cross contamination which risks transmission of life threatening viruses such as HIV and hepatitis.  Packaging for filler materials are all disposable.  Once a package is opened it must be used.  As a practical reality, the is never a reason for wasting or not using a complete syringe.  Once opened a syringe should not be stored for later use.  There is no way to ensure the sterility of an open package and this increases the risk of cross contamination.  Packages should be opened in front of you.  And yes, if you are not sure if your doctor washed their hands, speak up.

It's actually very simple. Ask to see the intact package which the filler came out of. Ask to see needles being opened from the package in front of you. It's not rude or disrespectful to your physician. We present all the fillers intact inside the package on a tray and place on the counter in front of our patients. Patients should be able to trust their physicians and we should do everything we can to allow our patients to have trust in us.

Best Wishes,

Hi Lidia.  If you are concerned about your injector using new needles, you can watch him or her open the product and/or attach the needle.  If you have to question whether or not the facility you are going to would do this then you are at the wrong facility.  This gets to the heart of the question of discounting in the elective healthcare market.  If you have to worry about your injector buying illegal Botox from Mexico or Canada and re-using needles, then maybe it's better to go to someone that has a reputation for doing things the right way.  Costs a bit more, but will give you piece of mind.  Good luck.

You should not need to ask such questions if you go to a reputable professional such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. That said, if you have any funny vibes or are just very concerned, observe as the doctor prepares the botox and fillers, and ask questions about the hygience practiced in the office. Avoid salons and spas to avoid mishaps as they don't have the reputation to maintain as a specialist physician would. ~ Dr. Benjamin Barankin, Toronto Dermatology Centre.

Open your eyes and watch the doctor or nurse set up. I have rarely, if ever, heard doctors reuse needles that are very inexpensive - except for the recent dentist that was profiled on national TV. Ask the doctor what their 'system' is and keep your eyes open, watch them open new needle packs and so on.

Needles and syringes are inexpensive and it really is criminal to reuse them on different patients. If you have any doubts don't be afraid to ask to see the needle coming out of a new package. (Believe me I've had much stranger patient requests!!)

We have a system in our office where any medication given to patients will be identified and the expiration date is spoken out loud to the doctor and a needle is in the package and removed.  Also of importance is handwashing which should be done in front of all patients....Thanks  Dr Boxrud