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Acute Communicable
Disease Control
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County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email: acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov
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Acute Communicable Disease Control
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Botulinum Toxin Injections
Key
Points:
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This should be performed in a clean environment
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There are different brands which are approved for
different purposes
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New and sterile needles and syringes are needed
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Be aware to avoid counterfeit materials and off brand
uses.
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What is it?
More commonly known by the brand name Botox®, botulinum injection is the most popular cosmetic medical treatment performed nationwide. The treatment works by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles, causing them to relax. As a result, your expressions soften, and the dynamic wrinkles are greatly reduced. Botulinum toxin type A is the injectable neurotoxin used in the treatment and is better known under brand names such as Botox Cosmetic®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®. All three products are FDA approved and have been used safely and effectively for years. Which of these products is best for you will depend on your unique anatomy, your goals, and your provider’s recommendations.
Who can perform it?
Many people think that because Botox® is advertised in day spas and other non-medical offices, botulinum injections are on the same level as a manicure, facial or haircut, but this is not the case! Though non-surgical, injections are a medical procedure that requires specific training, knowledge and skill to administer safely and effectively.
Physicians may inject Botox®, or they may direct registered nurses (RN) or physician assistants (PA) to perform the injection under their supervision. No unlicensed persons, such as medical assistants, may inject Botox®. In California, dentists may also administer Botox® if they have received
training.
SAFETY TIPS:
There are many claims that Botox® or similar products can treat/prevent/cure various ailments, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved these products for specific uses, listed below:
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Botox® cosmetic: Frown lines, crows feet, forehead lines
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Dysport®: Frown lines
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Xeomin®: Frown lines
Note: Botox®, Xeomin®, and Myobloc® are also FDA approved for temporary treatment of various medical conditions.
More information on the uses of Botox®
HERE.
All other uses are considered “off
label” and have not been approved by the FDA.
There are many counterfeit materials of these products, discuss with
your doctor to ensure your product is authentic and they are using
the best brand for your needs. Also make sure they are trained in
the specific brand and treatment, as not all injections are the
same.
Furthermore, talk to your doctor, RN, or PA about their safe injection practices. Needles, syringes, and even medication vials should not be used on multiple patients. Ensure they are using new needles and syringes by asking them to open the packages in front of you.
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