The Internet can provide a wealth of knowledge and enough tutorials to make you feel like you can tackle any project. After a #DIY trend floods social media, a wave of #DIYFail videos and images often come next, revealing what are likely the more common results of attempting the viral project. DIY cosmetic injectables are one such trend with dastardly results.
Dr. Eugenie Brunner is double-board certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology, and she is dedicated to providing beautiful results for her patients at her Princeton, NJ medical spa. With a background in fine arts, Dr. Brunner brings her artistic eye to each appointment, noticing the unique features of every patient and how she can help them look and feel their best with laser, surgical, and injectable treatments.
DIY Injectables VS Fillers and Neuromodulators
You might think DIY cosmetic injectables are the same as the fillers and neuromodulators you would receive at a medical practice, but they are very different. Dermal fillers and neuromodulators like Restylane® and Dysport® have undergone rigorous testing to receive FDA-approval, ensuring they are safe for use and can achieve their advertised results. DIY injectables, however, have not been tested by scientists and doctors or approved by a medical institution. Their formulation and creation process are mostly mysterious, and there is no guarantee that they have been stored or shipped properly. DIY injectables can be bought online; however, they are being removed from many e-commerce stores due to their dangerous side effects.
DIY cosmetic injectables being sold online mimic the properties of dermal fillers and neuromodulators, and many YouTube and TikTok videos show them as achieving similar results. There are even companies trying “guide” consumers through the injection process themselves without a doctor present. Now we are seeing the aftermath of people trusting these videos and products, which have included:
- Severe infections
- Skin necrosis (skin loss)
- Disfigurement
- Stroke
- Permanent scars
- Ptosis (droopy eyelids and eyebrows)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing or trouble with speech)
- Blindness
- Diplopia (double vision or difficulty with eyesight)
- Bell’s Palsy or facial paralysis
Not only are the above results very possible when using DIY injectables, but the medical procedures and medications needed to address them completely negate any money saved, and some of these results are irreversible.
What Makes Self-Injecting Unsafe?
It’s not just the products themselves that are dangerous, it’s also the process of self-injecting them. If you are not trained in performing injections, then you can’t understand the structure of your skin or what’s happening below the surface (blood vessels and nerves). Only board-certified doctors have a full picture of how injectables interact with the body and the precise areas they should and should not be placed. For this reason, as well, it’s unlikely that self-injections—even with safe products—will result in the look you were trying to achieve. Visit cdc.gov to learn more about safe injection practices.
Dr. Brunner has served more than 65,000 satisfied patients, and she is one of the top 100 Restylane dermal filler users in the country. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, she understands how to provide patients with the results they want. If your results are anything but excellent, Dr. Brunner will be here for you to determine how to improve them. You won’t be left to figure it out by yourself.
Botox injections to the forehead to reduce horizontal lines. After treatment lines are visibly diminished and forehead is smoother. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed. Results can vary from patient to patient.
Cosmetic Treatments That Aren’t A #Fail
Dr. Brunner offers dermal fillers and neuromodulators for facial rejuvenation. During your consultation, Dr. Brunner will examine your facial anatomy and listen to your concerns so she can recommend the best treatment for you to achieve beautiful, natural results, which may or may not include an injectable treatment.
With her more than 14 lasers and light devices, Dr. Brunner can combine treatments to address your unique aesthetic goals. Her newest device, Evoke, is a hands-free treatment that uses RF energy to remodel tissue and tighten skin. We can combine this procedure with injectables to further enhance results for some patients. Dr. Brunner can also use injectables with laser treatments like Fraxel or Clear & Brilliant to rejuvenate the skin while restoring youthful volume. Dr. Brunner’s treatments are always customized to the precise needs of each patient for the best possible results.
Each of the products and devices Dr. Brunner uses at her medical spa are proven safe and effective, and she will hand-select a treatment for you so you won’t end up with a #DIYFail.
Take Skincare Home with You
Dr. Brunner understands the desire to stay home as much as possible during the pandemic, that’s why she created her own medical-grade skincare line, which is available for purchase from her Princeton, NJ office, alongside other effective products. These science-backed products are made for all skin types and work to address a range of skin concerns like:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Fine lines
- Blemishes
- Dry skin
- Rosacea
To keep patients and staff safe during the pandemic, our office has been taking safety precautions, including regular office cleanings, closing our waiting area, staggering appointments, increased protective equipment, and more so you can feel at ease coming to your appointment.
Schedule Your Consultation At Our Princeton Medical Spa
If you are ready to reach your aesthetic goals through custom injectable treatments or laser and light devices, contact Dr. Brunner in New Jersey to schedule your consultation and discover your next steps for superior facial rejuvenation.