The Rise of DIY Botox: A Growing Trend with Serious Risks
In recent years, beauty trends have evolved rapidly, reflecting shifting priorities and economic pressures. From abandoning expensive manicures to rejecting blonde hair in favor of natural tones, people are increasingly looking for cost-effective ways to maintain their appearance. Now, a new trend is emerging: self-administered Botox injections.
Across platforms like TikTok, content creators are sharing videos of themselves injecting what they claim to be Botox-like products purchased online. One creator, a brow artist from Beverly Hills, posted a video showing herself injecting clear liquid into her forehead while wearing a candy pink T-shirt and teal headband. She expressed frustration with the high cost of professional treatments and shared her experience with her followers. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers expressing support and even claiming to do the same for their entire face.
This trend isn’t limited to the US. In the UK, Google searches for Innotox—a Korean over-the-counter product that contains botulinum toxin A—have surged since July. This suggests that similar practices may be gaining traction in the region. However, this growing trend comes with serious risks.
Health Risks and Regulatory Gaps
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued warnings about the dangers of unlicensed Botox-like products. Between June and July, 38 cases of botulism poisoning were reported in England, linked to unregulated injections. Symptoms included difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and breathing difficulties requiring respiratory support.
Innotox, like traditional Botox, contains botulinum toxin A, which works by blocking nerve signals to muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. While it can be safe when administered by trained professionals, improper use can lead to severe complications. The issue lies in the lack of regulation surrounding these products.
Until recently, the UK had minimal oversight for cosmetic procedures. Until June, there was no requirement for a license to administer Botox or fillers, leading to a “wild west” environment for cosmetic treatments. Industry experts have long advocated for stricter regulations, and new rules now require a face-to-face consultation before prescribing such treatments. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and many unlicensed practitioners continue to operate under the radar.
The Dangers of Unregulated Products
Dr. Mike Tee, a doctor at the Harley Street Skin Clinic, warns that unregulated products pose significant risks. “Just because it says Botox on the bottle, it doesn’t mean it is,” he explains. “It’s like people who use heroin. When they buy it, they don’t know what it’s been cut with.”
Dr. Ed Robinson, an aesthetics doctor, has treated patients who suffered infections, scarring, and inflammatory reactions after receiving treatments from non-medical professionals or self-injected products. “In every case, they had no idea what product had been injected,” he says. Some patients have even been blocked by the practitioners who gave them the treatment, leaving them without medical support.
Financial Pressures and Social Media Influence
Amidst a cost-of-living crisis, many people are turning to cheaper alternatives. A single Botox session at a licensed clinic can cost hundreds of pounds, while products like Innotox are available for under £50. This affordability makes DIY Botox appealing, especially as social media continues to promote unrealistic beauty standards.
Gen Z and Millennials spend an average of 2.25 hours daily on social media, constantly exposed to images of celebrities and influencers with flawless skin. This pressure to look perfect has led to a surge in demand for treatments like face yoga, vampire facials, and other beauty procedures. For some, taking matters into their own hands seems like the only option.
The Risks of Self-Administration
Despite the allure of DIY Botox, medical professionals warn against the dangers of self-injection. Botulinum toxin A is one of the most toxic substances known, more poisonous than cyanide. If not administered correctly, it can cause flaccid paralysis, weaken essential muscles, or lead to sepsis if equipment isn’t properly sterilized.
Injecting oneself also presents technical challenges. Practitioners have extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, and different areas of the face require varying concentrations of the substance. Targeting the wrong area can result in drooping eyes or lopsided smiles. Dr. Tee emphasizes that even if you know what you’re buying, knowing how much to inject is another challenge entirely.
A Cautionary Trend
While many TikTokers share glamorous videos of themselves injecting Botox, some are beginning to speak out about the risks. One creator admitted to having scabs on her forehead and expressed uncertainty about the process. In a now-deleted video, she warned viewers about the proximity of the injection site to veins and urged people to seek professional help.
As the trend continues to grow, so do the concerns among medical professionals. While some users resist outside scrutiny, others recognize the potential dangers and advocate for caution. The message from experts is clear: the risks of DIY Botox far outweigh any potential benefits.