Tampa Bay, FL (PRWEB) March 31, 2014

Liquid facelifts rank as the top nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the nation, an accomplishment overshadowed as the demand for Botox and fillers has triggered a rise in illegal injectables (1), despite repeated warnings of the associated risks. Dr. Cynthia Elliott, owner of nonsurgical cosmetic facility Skinspirations, says that liquid facelifts can offer dramatic improvements in the skin, but urges potential patients to be especially cautious and seek only the help of qualified practitioners.

Liquid facelifts, a process during which injectable treatments such as Botox and dermal fillersincluding Juvderm, Restylane, Radiesseare used to restore youthful facial proportions, have grown in popularity due in large part to their effectiveness, versatility and accessibility. Unlike a surgical facelift, a liquid facelift typically takes less than an hour, requires no sedation and little or no downtime, and results become apparent almost immediately. But along with the increasing demand for Botox and fillers has come a rise in illegal injectables, prompting the FDA to issue an ongoing alert for unlicensed Botox that is shipped in from other countries (1).

Dr. Elliott says that some of her clientele have been the recipients of such unauthorized products and have turned to her for corrective proceduresan unsurprising statement, as a reported 84 percent of people who suffered complications from permanent dermal fillers required corrective action (2). But some of consequences of botched procedures are impossible to repair, per Dr. Elliott:

A client of mine had fillers in her cheeks done at another practice several years agoshe doesnt know what substance was used, and her cheeks are so large now that her dentist had difficulty getting her to open her mouth enough for a treatment. I administered a medication that would have dissolved it if it had been a hyaluronic acid filler like Juvderm or Restylane, but there was no response; its likely that the filler was permanent and, therefore, nothing can be done to remove it besides cutting it out.

Dr. Elliott says that the number of botched cosmetic procedures is likely due to people allowing the price to dictate the quality of the surgerya move that she says increases the chances of attracting unqualified physicians.

An experienced practitioner should be the top consideration when seeking any cosmetic procedure, not bargain hunting, said Dr. Elliott. Rather than blindly putting trust in those who claim to be in the medical profession, its up to the public to be proactive about their health and do extensive research before committing to any type of procedure.

Dr. Elliott says the risks associated with liquid facelifts and other cosmetic treatments can be limited by adhering to the following:

1.Check the FDA website which contains a list of approved fillers and providers. Botox and Juvderm manufacturer Allergan also posts pictures and a list of legitimate providers on its site. Ask the practitioner if they are a legitimate provider and if they can show credentials.

2.Botox containers for the use of cosmetic alterations always contain the word cosmetic. Boxes and vials missing the cosmetic label are not approved for cosmetic use in the United States; do not allow these products to be administered. And do not be afraid to ask to see the box from the practitioner; if you are made to feel wrong for doing so, be cautious.

Read more here:
New Face of Anti-Aging: Liquid Facelift Demand Creates Market for Illegal InjectablesSkinspirations Urges Caution