Safety in Aesthetics: Botulism from Fake Botox

Emily Robinson
Jun 26
3 min read

Aesthetics treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and all those little tweaks we love, are seriously amazing for boosting your confidence and giving you that fresh, youthful look. But many of us might have heard some pretty scary news lately. There have been cases of botulism linked to fake Botox, and that’s a huge red flag.

So let’s chat about why safety is absolutely everything when it comes to aesthetics and why choosing a qualified, medically trained practitioner (like me!) makes all the difference.

What Went Wrong? The Botulism cases from Fake Botox in the News

You may have seen the headlines recently about people suffering from botulism poisoning after having Botox from unqualified practitioners. To make matters worse, these treatments were from unregulated, potentially unsafe products.

Botulism, in case you didn’t know, is a super serious condition caused by the botulinum toxin, which is the ingredient in Botox. If Botox is injected incorrectly or from a source that’s not approved, it can lead to botulism, causing muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and in some cases, even death.

One case I read about involved a beauty clinic using counterfeit Botox, leading to people becoming very ill. This is so concerning because when Botox is used properly by a medically trained practitioner, it’s completely safe. But using fake, unregulated products? Not a chance.

Why Did This Happen? The Importance of Regulated Products

So, how did this happen? Well, these clinics used unapproved Botox, often from dodgy suppliers or unlicensed sources. It’s tempting, I know, to look for a bargain, but you’re never saving money if you risk your health. Botox is a medical product, and it’s critical to get it from regulated, trusted suppliers.

This is where qualified professionals like myself come in. I’m a registered nurse with over 8 years of experience, and I’ve got my Independent Nurse Prescriber qualification, which means I can prescribe and administer Botox safely and legally. I also make sure to use only approved, regulated Botox and always follow safety guidelines. Your health is always my priority, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why You Should Choose a Nurse-Led, Save Face Accredited Clinic

So, what makes my clinic different? Here’s why I’m all about keeping you safe while giving you the best results:

I’m a nurse. With almost 10 years of experience and an Independent Nurse Prescriber qualification, I know exactly how to safely administer Botox and other injectables. No shortcuts, no cutting corners.
Save Face accreditation: My clinic is Save Face-accredited, which means we’ve been independently checked for safety, professionalism, and ethics. You can rest easy knowing you’re in the best hands.
Safe, regulated products: I only use MHRA approved (the UK equivalent of FDA approved), trusted products. That means no dodgy fake Botox and no risking your health.
Personalised consultations: I’ll always sit down with you before any treatment. We’ll talk about what you want, what your goals are, and I’ll make sure we’re on the same page. You’ll never feel rushed, and you’ll always feel comfortable.

How to Choose a Safe Aesthetic Practitioner

If you’re new to aesthetics or just want to be extra sure you’re in good hands, here’s what to look out for:

Qualifications, qualifications, qualifications! Unfortunately, aestheticians are not legally required to be medically registered - although this is likely to change! That’s why it’s up to you to check your aesthetician’s qualifications.
Check the products they use: Only use products that come from FDA approved suppliers. Botox should always be regulated, safe, and sourced from trusted channels.
Save Face accreditation: A Save Face-accredited clinic has been independently reviewed for quality and safety. It’s a must check!
Consultation: Your practitioner should give you a thorough consultation before any treatment. This is so important - it’s all about understanding what you want, making sure you’re a good candidate, and making you feel at ease.

Make Sure Your Botox is Safe!

Aesthetics treatments are fantastic, but they should always be safe! With the rise in botulism cases linked to fake Botox, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re getting your treatments from someone qualified, regulated, and trustworthy.

As a nurse-led, Save Face-accredited clinic, I make sure you’re treated with the utmost care, using only the safest products, so you can feel confident in your results and in your health.

If you’re thinking about Botox or any other aesthetic treatments, always choose a qualified professional who takes safety seriously. Your face is precious, and I’ll treat it that way.