In South Africa, as botulinum toxin injections become increasingly popular for aesthetic treatments, a recent incident in the United States has sparked renewed concerns about their potential risks.
It is revealed that a mother of three from Georgia suffered partial paralysis following what was presumed to be a routine procedure, highlighting the critical importance of seeking qualified medical professionals for these treatments.
The woman developed severe migraines shortly after her injections, and within a day, she was hospitalised and unable to speak or function. Medical professionals later determined that she had experienced small strokes as a result of the procedure.
While such extreme complications are exceedingly rare, this case has underscored the necessity of ensuring that injectable procedures are performed only by qualified and experienced practitioners in reputable clinics.
Dr JD Erasmus, MBChB, BSc, a medical doctor specialising in aesthetics, pointed out that concerns about the safety of botulinum toxin are usually unnecessary, as long as the right procedures are followed.
“People hear the word ‘toxin’ and understandably get nervous. But iatrogenic botulism (caused by a medical treatment) after aesthetic treatments is extremely rare in medical clinics with qualified doctors who follow proper protocols and only inject trusted products from regulated manufacturers,” he explained.
Erasmus elaborated on the extensive research supporting botulinum toxin as one of the most studied anti-ageing treatments in aesthetic medicine, demonstrating its efficacy in relaxing targeted facial muscles, rejuvenating the skin, and even alleviating tension headaches.
“In cosmetic treatments, it’s used in very small, highly controlled doses by trained professionals. When done correctly, it stays where it’s injected, does its job, and your body naturally breaks it down over time,” he assured.
Incidences of iatrogenic botulism are uncommon, with the toxin generally staying localised to treatment areas. Overall, botulism in all its forms occurs in less than one in every 100 000 cases. Dr Erasmus said that globally, thousands undergo botulinum toxin procedures safely each day, with no recorded instances linked to aesthetic treatments in South Africa as of now.
However, the risks of such complications escalate in regions with weaker regulations. Just two years ago, Turkey witnessed an extreme case where 71 individuals developed iatrogenic botulism from treatments at a single clinic, calling attention to the dangers of medical tourism in poorly regulated markets.
“That’s the danger of medical or cosmetic tourism to locations with less stringent safety standards,” Dr Erasmus warned.
“You may not know what product is being used or who is injecting it, and following up with your practitioner can be challenging.”
South African regulations help mitigate the risks often seen abroad. Botulinum toxin injections are classified as Schedule 4 medicines regulated by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
Only licensed doctors registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) can administer these procedures, and strict guidelines are enforced regarding the purchase and use of these products.
Clinics such as the Longevity Centre at RXME prioritise patient safety through rigorous protocols, this encompasses precise temperature-controlled storage of vials, sterilisation during mixing, and thorough documentation of each product's usage. Licensed practitioners are expected to evaluate patient suitability, accurately calculate doses for optimal results, and utilise only approved products sourced from authorised suppliers.
Erasmus further emphasised the importance of patients doing their due diligence prior to treatment: “Check your practitioner’s HPCSA registration, ensure that the unopened product will be used in front of you, note the lot number, and establish a clear follow-up plan.”
He reassured that ethical clinics encourage such inquiries, understanding the significance of informed patients.
“Ultimately, news stories from overseas should serve as lessons about the dangers of taking shortcuts rather than prompts for panic. Botulinum toxin boasts one of the best safety records in aesthetic medicine. In South Africa, selecting a qualified doctor and a reputable clinic virtually eliminates the risk of serious complications,” Erasmus concluded.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star