Who doesn’t love a new beauty trend? From mud masks to contouring: it’s exciting to try out a promising new beauty regimen for yourself. There are fads that are safe to try at home, and there are others that should only be performed by a doctor. Injectables like neuromodulators and dermal fillers belong in the latter category, never the former.

At Spring Street Dermatology, we use only the best FDA-approved injectables on the market in our New York City skin care clinics. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants understands that safe treatment is just as important as beautiful results, and that’s why our entire staff is highly trained and uses cutting-edge technology for all our treatments. Our aesthetic philosophy is to achieve natural results using the simplest, least invasive techniques possible, including with cosmetic injectables.

DIY Cosmetic Injectables: What Are They?

Cosmetic injectables include neuromodulators like Botox® and Dysport® that treat dynamic wrinkles and dermal fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® that fill in areas of lost volume and smooth fine lines. Neuromodulators work by relaxing facial muscles that create wrinkles when they contract. Dermal fillers can be used on the face, neck, lips, and even hands to restore youthful contours and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

DIY Cosmetic Injectables are not the same. These injectables are sold online and are intended for at-home use. The products are manufactured and sold outside of the US, and they’ve gained popularity through YouTube channels and TikTok videos that feature people trying them out for themselves. There is even a new start-up offering to “guide” consumers through the injection process virtually, right here in the US.

These products are created to mimic the effects of neuromodulators and dermal fillers used at dermatological offices, but they are not the safe, effective products you’re familiar with. Below are five reasons cosmetic injectables should never be a DIY project. Visit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov to find out more information about the harm associated with DIY injectables. 

1. Injecting Is Not As Easy As You May Think

While YouTube and TikTok tutorials may make application look simple enough, proper placement and injection technique is far from straightforward. The trained physicians at our SOHO, Tribeca, and Uptown offices understand that each of our patients has a unique facial anatomy, skin structure, and aesthetic goals, so we are able to select the best product and place it in the exact spot it should be so you can leave with the results you desire. When injecting a DIY cosmetic into yourself, you run the risk of using too much product or placing it incorrectly, and you will likely not achieve the results you were hoping for.

2. You Don’t Know What’s In That Needle

Even if you are able to use the correct amount of product and inject it into the right place, the DIY cosmetic product you are using is itself unsafe. The injectables sold online have not undergone the rigorous testing that FDA-approved ones have. The ingredients, as well as how the DIY injectables are made, is a mystery. There is also no assurance that these products are stored and shipped properly, such as being kept at a safe temperature during the transport process.

The injectables offered at Spring Street Dermatology’s three NYC offices are Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Juvéderm, and Restylane. These FDA-approved products have been in use by doctors for years, and they have proven results. Botox and Dysport are similar in the results they produce, but our physicians can recommend the best option for you. The Juvéderm and Restylane family of fillers consist of several formulations that are specially created for certain concerns. When you choose to use these products, you can receive a specialized treatment plan for your specific goals.

3. Some Side Effects Can’t Be Reversed

Not only will you likely not achieve the results you hoped for by using a DIY cosmetic injectable, but you can also harm yourself in ways that may not be reversible. Some known side effects of these products are:

• Allergic reactions (sometimes severe and lead to amputation)
• Disfigurement
• Ptosis (droopy eyelids and eyebrows)
• Bell’s Palsy or facial paralysis
• Diplopia (double vision or difficulty with eyesight)
• Blindness
• Permanent scars
• Stroke
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing or trouble with speech)

While some of these side effects are curable, the cost of their treatment will far outweigh the money you may have saved by using DIY injectables.

4. Comprehensive Care is Available At Our Skin Care Clinic

At Spring Street Dermatology in NYC, you can experience safe, expert care and achieve your beauty goals. We can perform injectable treatments, as well as laser resurfacing, and chemical peels for anti-aging and rejuvenation treatment. We can also combine therapies to give you more complete, longer-lasting results.

5. There Are Safe Medical-Grade Products You Can Use At Home

We at Spring Street Dermatology understand the desire for at-home treatments, which is why we have an online professional skincare store with products that are safe to use at home. These physician-curated, tailor-made, and scientifically-proven products are available to anyone, and we even offer a free skincare assessment.

Schedule Your Injectables Treatment in New York City Today

If you are ready to receive safe, quality injectable treatments, contact our skin care clinic today and schedule an appointment at our SOHO, Tribeca, or Uptown office.