Leave it to the Pros: Don’t Trust Just Anyone to Administer Your Injectables

Just a month ago, a 45-year-old woman was found performing botulinum toxin injection and invasive aesthetic treatments without a valid license at a Far East Plaza shop. She was sentenced to 14 weeks in jail, with another 10 similar charges taken into consideration. 

According to the news report, the woman pleaded guilty to five charges of practicing as a medical practitioner without a valid certificate. She was found to have been administering various aesthetic procedures such as botulinum toxin, fillers, acne scar treatments, and lasers for various purposes at her shop or home. She also performed thread lift injections and chin fillers, as well as allergy tests on all procedures.

Dangers with unqualified injectors or providers

The case described above is not exactly new. There had been similar cases in the past years, where someone was jailed for 10 weeks and fined $16,000 for performing illegal cosmetic procedures. There was also a case like this in 2023, where an unlicensed beautician offered facial aesthetic injections with products from Alibaba.   

Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers are safe procedures provided that you go to a trained and experienced injector. Botched results and complications are more likely if you just trust anyone or go to someone with unskilled hands to administer the treatment. Possible reasons why injectable treatments can go wrong include: 

• Too much or too little injectable can lead to unsatisfying results such as a frozen look, puffy cheeks, asymmetrical features, or unnaturally fuller lips.
• Too superficial or deep injections can lead to adverse complications that would require more money and time to fix.
• Wrong injection areas can affect the end result of the treatment and lead to negative side effects.

Don’t shop or choose a provider by price alone

Discounts and bargains can be tempting, but they don’t actually save you money. When it comes to cosmetic injectables, it is best not to go with a provider who offers too-good-to-be-true deals. Quality injectable treatments are not cheap, so if someone is offering you cheap rates, chances are they are unlicensed or unqualified to perform the treatment. 

It is also important to know that the price of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers in Singapore varies on several factors. These include the location of the clinic, the brand of injectable, units needed, the areas to be treated, and the experience of the provider. 

In general, doctors or injectors with more years of experience, training, and education charge higher rates. Keep in mind, however, that it is okay to spend a little more, especially if you want to have natural-looking results and avoid unwanted side effects.

How to choose an injectable provider

Only go with a qualified medical practitioner who has undergone training and adheres to safety protocols. They should also have a good knowledge of facial anatomy to determine which areas to inject and how much material to use for each zone. Here are a few other things to consider.

• Choose a licensed or board-certified dermatologist or doctor who specializes in aesthetic medicine or surgery.
• Look for a clinic or provider that focuses on cosmetic injectables and other aesthetic procedures.
• Avoid spas, salons, or providers who administer procedures at home or in a non-clinic setting.

For further reading: Dos and Don’ts Before Your Aesthetic Treatment

Red flags to watch out for in an injectable provider:

• Heavy discounts or extremely low prices
• Not disclosing the products or refusing to show the product’s packaging
• Lack of credentials or refusing to show proof of their work/experience
• Not mentioning side effects or rushed consultations
• Pressuring you to sign up for more treatments
• Inability to answer basic questions about your injections

Considering an injectable treatment?

If you’re thinking of getting an injectable treatment, we at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics have qualified injectors/aesthetic doctors in Singapore. We also offer a patient-centered approach to treatments and only charge according to the number of units you need. Contact us today to learn more or book a consultation. 

Sources: 

https://www.todayonline.com/news/beautician-illegal-botox-invasive-aesthetic-treatments-far-east-plaza-shop-2432436

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/beautician-who-performed-illegal-botox-and-filler-injections-jailed-10-weeks

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/8-weeks-jail-unlicensed-beautician-who-offered-facial-aesthetic-jabs-using-products-alibaba-2301216