IAPAM Offers Consumers Injectable Safety Tips: Watching a Video does not Constitute Botox Training

Online, November 20, 2009 (Newswire.com) - To educate consumers on the risks and rewards with cosmetic injectable procedures, the International Association of Physicians for Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM) has developed a comprehensive overview outlining the 4 critical points for a successful cosmetic injection experience, including:
- ensuring your Botox product is legitimate,
- prescribing requirements,
- risks associated with cosmetic injectables, and
- always select a physician who has completed a comprehensive cosmetic injectables(Botox) training program.

Tip One: Botox buyer beware

Recently, there have been several reports regarding DIY "botox-like" injectables, which can be purchased through the internet. The red-flags associated with internet offerings range from unrealistically low pricing to a lack of knowledge regarding the potential side affects that can accompany the administration of a neurotoxin into the body. Also, it's important to ensure the vial being used is not counterfeit; look for the 3-d hologram to ensure its is the FDA approved product," says IAPAM executive-director, Jeff Russell.

Tip Two: Cosmetic injectables need to be prescribed by a physician

Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are FDA controlled substances, and can only be sold to licensed physicians for administration. The FDA offers these "tips" to consumers considering botulinum toxin injectables: know what you are being injected with and make sure your health care professional is using only an FDA-approved product, purchased within the United States, and if your doctor refuses to give you this information, look for another health care professional.

Tip Three: Know the risks

Make sure the benefits and risks are fully explained to you in a patient consultation. Fully disclose any medical conditions you might have and medications you are taking, including vitamins and over-the-counter drugs. Botulinum toxin products should be administered in an appropriate setting using sterile instruments. Malls, private homes, hotel rooms, and conference rooms are not medical environments and may be unsanitary.

Tip Four: Choose a physician who is comprehensively trained in all cosmetic injectable outcomes

Patients should insist on engaging a doctor who has completed comprehensive, clinical training programs like the IAPAM's Aesthetic Medicine Symposium or Advanced Botox /Dermal Filler Bootcamp. For the patient, this translates into ensuring that their physician is trained in the latest injection techniques, is comfortable with dealing with a possible adverse event due to the procedure and is a member of a internationally recognized aesthetic association.

Understandably, consumers will continue to look for opportunities to forgo expensive professional services, but ultimately, the wisest consumers will opt to save money through DIY home decorating, and not aesthetic medicine procedures.

For a complete copy of the article: "Consumer Cosmetic Injectable Safety Tips", or for more information about physician certification, please contact:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x705

Botox & Juvederm is a trademark of Allergan, Inc. Dysport, Restylane, & Perlane are trademarks of Medicis, Inc.