FDA warns 350 US medical practices using “Botox” from a foreign supplier.  The Skin Center Medical Spa, located in Pittsburgh, PA and Columbus, OH, ensures authenticity of its product.

(PITTSBURGH – February 19, 2013) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a letter to 350 US medical practices alerting them that they may have received unapproved Botox from a foreign supplier.  The FDA’s concern is that the formulation of Botox being sold is not FDA-approved and therefore treatment with this product, according to the letter, may cause “harm to patients, because it may be unsafe or ineffective”.   As one of the nation’s largest providers of Allergan Inc.’s BOTOX® Cosmetic, The Skin Center Medical Spa with three locations in Pittsburgh, PA and one in Columbus, OH, ensures patients are receiving only authentic BOTOX® Cosmetic shipped directly from manufacturer.

As BOTOX wrinkle treatments are now generally accepted and an increasingly common practice for millions of men and women, the desire to shop for the biggest savings is becoming commonplace. “While I understand the desire to save money whenever possible, I think it is very important to remember that cost savings does not always equal best value,” said Dominic Brandy, MD, board-certified cosmetic surgeon and founding medical director of The Skin Center Medical Spa. “When dealing with medical treatments, and BOTOX® is a medical treatment, you want to spend the money necessary to ensure you are not only purchasing the authentic product, but also the skill of a highly trained medical professional. BOTOX should not be administered outside of a medical facility or by a person not specifically trained in facial anatomy and proper injection techniques.”

To be certain of the authenticity of the product and to achieve the best result possible from a BOTOX® Cosmetic or other type of injectable wrinkle treatment, it is important to follow these five simple steps:

1. Ask to see the vial and or product packaging.  Authentic BOTOX Cosmetic will have the words “BOTOX® Cosmetic on the vial, not just Botox.  Also, a hologram can be seen across the label.

2. Ask your provider about their credentials, experience and training.  Experienced injectors are trained in the most advanced injection techniques and applications and are happy to talk about their experience.

3. Look for approved manufacturer signage within the store.  For BOTOX Cosmetic, Allergan Inc. signage would be prominently displayed.

4. Your injector must be a medical professional such as a physician, physician’s assistant, registered nurse practitioner or registered nurse.  If your injector is not a qualified medical professional, find one who is.

5. Visit the manufacturer’s website to confirm that the medical practice is a certified retailer of the product.

The Skin Center Medical Spa is a member of Allergan, Inc.’s Black Diamond Designation, a distinction awarded to the top one percent of Botox Cosmetic providers nationwide.  In addition to this elite designation, two of our expert BOTOX Cosmetic injectors are dedicated National Trainers for Allergan, Inc; traveling the country to teach other medical professionals proper injection techniques as well as the most advanced applications.

For more than 30 years, The Skin Center Medical Spa’s team of board-certified cosmetic surgeons, board-certified plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons and nurses offer women and men advanced cosmetic plastic surgery and minimally invasive treatments for healthier-looking skin, and rejuvenation of the face and body. To schedule a consultation, call 1-800-429-1151 or click www.theskincentermd.com to learn more.

The Skin Center Medical Spa For Immediate Release            

Contact: Nicole Conaway
412.414.1404 (cell)
nconaway@mdcommunicationsinc.com

About The Skin Center Medical Spa

The Skin Center Medical Spa, with three locations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Columbus, Ohio, is the region’s premier, full-service medical spa offering the latest advancements in non-invasive and minimally invasive skin rejuvenation for the treatment of aging skin, hyper-pigmentation, rosacea, unwanted hair, varicose and spider veins, active acne and acne scarring.  Established by board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dominic Brandy, MD, in 1981, The Skin Center is one of the few medical facilities in Western Pennsylvania specializing exclusively in cosmetic plastic surgery and anti-aging treatments. Dr. Brandy and his colleague Fernando Colon, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and medical director of The Skin Center in ColumbusOhio, have a combined 50 years of experience in cosmetic plastic surgery, and together they have performed nearly 20,000 procedures. The SkinCenter’s surgical facilities are accredited by the AAAHC.

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