Each warning sign below is grounded in Texas rules or in information from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the FDA or the CDC.
A price well under what others charge
Genuine products, trained staff and insurance all cost a practice money. When a price is far lower than elsewhere, find out what you would be getting. A low price does not prove anything is wrong, but you can ask which product will be used and ask to see the packaging or lot information.
The FDA has said that unapproved versions of Juvederm have been sold in the United States, online among other places, and it advises against using them. In April 2024, the CDC reported 22 people who had harmful reactions after botulinum toxin injections from unlicensed or untrained people, or in settings outside health care such as homes or spas. The CDC had information on 20 of them, and 11 of those 20 were hospitalized.
Question to ask
What is the exact product, where does it come from, and can I see the box before it is opened?
Nobody can name the delegating physician
Texas requires a physician to delegate nonsurgical cosmetic procedures and requires the practice to display that physician's name and Texas license number in public areas and treatment rooms. Do not book if the practice cannot tell you:
- The name of the delegating physician
- How you can reach a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice nurse while you are there
- The name and title of the person who will treat you
The Texas Medical Board's license look-up lets you check any physician yourself.
Treatment with no real consultation
Before a delegated procedure, Texas rules call for a practitioner-patient relationship and a medical record. Being walked from the front desk straight to the needle is not consistent with that.
In a genuine consultation, someone asks about your health history, medicines and allergies. Some medicines affect bleeding or bruising, and a provider who never asks cannot plan around them.
Treatment by someone without the right license
According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, holding an esthetician or cosmetology operator license does not permit a person to inject Botox or fillers or to use lasers for hair removal. Estheticians may perform superficial chemical peels, but medium and deep peels are medical procedures.
Ask whoever is treating you for their title and for the name of the person who delegated the procedure. You are looking for a quick, clear answer.
- Find out what type of license the person treating you holds
- Search for the delegating physician on the Texas Medical Board site
- Look for the physician's name and license number on display
- Walk away from a practice that cannot say who is responsible for your care
Being pushed to commit on the spot
Cosmetic treatment is elective, which means there is no reason to hurry. Step back if you feel rushed, if you are pressed to prepay for a package, or if a discount supposedly expires before you walk out. A provider who is confident in their work will be fine with you going home to think it over.
Go with your judgment
Vague answers or a hurried feeling are reasons to leave. Other practices are available.