Botox is a highly toxic substance with a lethal dose of 2,500 to 5,000 units in humans. However, for wrinkle reduction and cosmetic procedures, only 50 to 100 units are used—representing just 1% to 2% of the lethal dose. Therefore, its safety is assured in this context.
The risk extends beyond overdose to injection technique and placement. For instance, forehead wrinkle injections require precise placement—3 centimeters from the eyebrows. Injecting too close may cause patients to be unable to fully open their eyes, resulting in a "broom-like" eyebrow appearance.Unqualified "beauticians" at unlicensed salons, lacking anatomical knowledge, often inject inaccurately or use excessive concentrations/doses. This frequently causes eyelid drooping, brow ptosis, localized swelling, and in some cases, double vision. Overdosing on the face may even lead to swallowing difficulties. Therefore, procedures must be performed by professional cosmetic surgeons to ensure safety.
Furthermore, as botulinum toxin is a biological product, procedures must be performed in a sterile environment. Counterfeit products circulating in the market lack proper sourcing. Domestic cases have emerged where substandard production conditions led to local injection site ulceration after using fake botulinum toxin.
Claims that a single Botox injection can erase wrinkles and make you look 10 years younger are exaggerated. However, after treatment, wrinkles are smoothed, confidence is boosted, and combined with regular professional medical-grade skincare, a youthful complexion can be maintained long-term.
Botox is classified as a prescription drug both domestically and internationally. The primary criterion for determining its prescription status is whether it bears a National Drug Approval Number issued by the National Medical Products Administration.Domestically marketed drugs, whether tablets or injections, display this approval number on both inner and outer packaging. For injectables, the approval number appears in the upper right corner of the vial label and outer packaging. This number can be verified on the NMPA website.China's drug supervision is extremely stringent. To date, some counterfeit drugs dare to display a national drug approval number, but they use material numbers instead, employing Arabic numerals to deceive consumers.
The management of legitimate botulinum toxin is highly regulated.Currently, the only botulinum toxin approved by the SFDA for cosmetic indications in China is BOTOX® produced by Allergan, Inc. of the United States. BOTOX® exclusively partners with all public and private hospitals in China that possess cosmetic surgery qualifications for promotion and marketing. It does not collaborate with beauty salons or pharmacies for sales. Therefore, if you purchase this drug from a beauty salon or pharmacy, it is undoubtedly counterfeit.
It is crucial to note: Injectable botulinum toxin for wrinkle reduction and cosmetic procedures is subject to strict national regulations. Non-medical establishments such as beauty salons and unlicensed cosmetic clinics are absolutely prohibited from offering this service.
While there is no age restriction for Botox injections, they are contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, ptosis, adrenal insufficiency, or underlying heart, liver, or kidney conditions. Those allergic to botulinum toxin should also avoid treatment.