First of all, I want to start by saying that I personally think that injectable cosmetic procedures are great. Botox and Dysport can effectively relax wrinkle-prone areas of the face and give eyebrows a slight and happy lift. Dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane (or any other brand name) can dramatically enhance lips and fill deep wrinkle lines. If done correctly and with utmost care, injectables can keep both men and women looking young and feeling great about the aging process. Injectables can also creatively solve many cosmetic concerns (such as filling deep acne scars) without the need for invasive plastic surgery.
BUT… I want to address a serious problem that I see as an attorney handling cosmetic procedure injury cases. Upselling units.
This is the general scenario:
A patient makes an appointment at a med spa or a doctor’s office to find out more information about an injectable product. The patient’s intention is to collect information about the procedure such as the risks that should be considered, the amount of units necessary, the cost of the procedure, the difference between products on the market, etc. Although the patient is open minded about undergoing the procedure, their intention is to consult with a knowledgable professional before doing so. When the patient gets to the office, they are met by pushy staff that pressure the patient into undergoing the procedure immediately. Sometimes, the office even has a promotional rate for buying more injectable product (more units). At the time of the consultation, no actual information about the product is provided. The patient still has many questions about the cosmetic procedure they are about to undergo. The patient ends up purchasing more units of the injectable product than they actually need. And the injector proceeds to over-inject the patient with too much product, causing lasting injuries.
Over-selling units of injectable product leads to injuries. It is a reckless practice and in my opinion, simply unethical. Med spas and doctors’ offices are incentivized to sell more units because they charge by the unit. The more units they sell, the more profit they make!
Injecting too much filler can result in arterial occlusion, cutting off blood supply to the skin and causing the skin tissue to die (necrosis). Injecting too much botulinum or injecting it in places that do not need it, can cause loss of muscle function, drooping lids or eyebrows, and even double vision. Some consequences of over-injecting resolve over time, while others have permanent effects.
Most people trust their injectors and believe that the injector will act in their best interest. And many injectors do a great job of caring first and foremost about their patient’s health and happiness. But, unfortunately in my practice I have seen a number of examples where profits take priority over a person’s well-being.
Therefore, it is always wise to do your own research. Check out reviews about the clinic and the product before making an appointment. Write down your questions and make sure you get clear answers to every single one before agreeing to the procedure. And most importantly, if you feel confused or uncertain about something, do not be afraid to say “let me think about it” and go home.