Is It Legal to Buy Botox® Online?

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

You’ve probably seen Botox® treatments advertised at shockingly low prices. The providers offering these treatments may appear legitimate (and may actually have medical licenses). They operate out of medical spas or cosmetic medicine clinics that seem to be on the up-and-up.

There has to be a catch, right?

There is. These providers probably aren’t buying Botox through legitimate channels, and the medication they’re selling probably isn’t FDA-approved botulinum toxin medication. In other words, whatever they’re selling is a whole lot riskier than real Botox.

Still, you might be wondering whether it’s legal to buy real Botox in an online store, which is often more affordable than going through a licensed medical professional. Let’s take a look at the legalities and review the reasons why you probably shouldn’t take the risk.

Is It Legal to Buy Botox Online?

Buying Botox online is legal in the United States if it’s done through the proper channels and by properly credentialed individuals. Unfortunately, this often isn’t the case. The FDA is cracking down on illicit online Botox purchases, but they’re still rampant.

Only two groups of people can legally order Botox online:

People with a prescription for Botox
Licensed physicians and other medical providers cleared to purchase controlled substances in the United States

Because regular people can’t write their own prescriptions, you’ll most likely need to consult a licensed physician before buying Botox anyway. And many providers won’t inject Botox brought in off the street, even if it appears legitimate.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy Botox Online

Even if it’s technically legal with a prescription or medical license, you shouldn’t purchase Botox online. Leave it to the professionals and get your treatment in a reputable medical spa or cosmetic clinic; it’s worth the extra cost.

It’s Risky to Inject Botox on Yourself

Botox certification isn’t just for show. Trained professionals know exactly where and how to inject Botox — and more importantly, where not to inject it.

No offense, but you won’t do as good a job at home as a trained professional in a controlled clinical setting. Self-injection poses increased risk of side effects and complications, also known as adverse events, some of which (such as systemic botulism) can be life-threatening.

Cheap Online Botox Could Have Impurities

The whole point of the FDA approval process is to ensure that patients only receive quality products produced in sanitary, well-regulated facilities.

In other words, if you’re not buying FDA-approved Botox from Allergan Aesthetics, the maker of Botox Cosmetic (and a legitimate pharmaceutical company), you simply don’t know what you’re getting. Your risk of serious health effects is much greater after injection, especially if you have a preexisting health condition.

Your Purchase Could Violate the Law

Finally, your purchase could expose you to civil or criminal penalties. Remember, only licensed medical professionals or people with valid prescriptions written by licensed medical professionals can legally buy Botox online in the United States.

By the way, these guidelines apply to other minimally invasive cosmetic treatments. For example, it’s not a good idea to purchase dermal fillers (whether hyaluronic acid, PMMA, or any other formulation) from online retailers. The same potential safety risks apply.