What is botulism with regards to receiving medication for facial wrinkles?

Clostridium botulinum is a dangerous bacterium that releases neurotoxins that are potentially lethal especially in conditions in low oxygen.

The infection (rare in occurance ) may occur in any person receiving cosmetic injections.  This emphasis the importance of having treatment by an appropriate registered health practitioner.

Botulism involves a constellation of symptoms and signs due to compromise of the nervous system and may lead to respiratory failure.

This usually starts from paralysis of the facial muscles or nerves related to the face such as blurness of vision, dryness of the mouth, droopy eyellides, problems with swallowing or even nausea.  

This may be followed by weakness of the chest muscles or the limbs.

How does this occur when having the cosmetic injections as described by NSW Health?

In conjunction with the Health Complaints Comissioner and police, further investigations are currently performed to ascertain the likely cause of this.

Therefore the quality of facial treatments cannot be ignored!  Some basic questions to consider are as follows:-

1. Has your registered medical practitioner had formal training in cosmetic medicine or surgery?
2. Do they have experience performing cosmetic treatments? Non-cosmetic treatments do not constitute cosmetic treatments.
3. Are they performed at a registered clinic or unregistered premise? What does an accredited clinic look like?

Why is training in cosmetic medicine and surgery important?

Most people in the community assume that all doctors have training in cosmetic medicine and surgery.  This is not true.  Cosmetic medicine and surgery do not exist in the public system where most doctors obtain their training from.

The Australasian College of Cosmetic Medicine and Surgery provides training to cosmetic doctors and plastic surgeons specific to cosmetic medicine and surgery in private healthcare facilities.   This represents transparent, balanced and an open formal disclosure to patients seeking cosmetic services.

There are several important aspects about this:-

1. Honest disclosure about training and qualifications of the medical practitioners performing treatments.
2. Better communication with patients about cosmetic services since the cosmetic doctors trained by the college are familiar with the treatments.
3. Familiarity and consistency of the services provided gives confidence to the patient about deciding on the best facial treatment option for them .  Patients are able to provide their informed consent while taking time to decide what the best treatment option is for them.  
4. In conjunction of the above, patients will be able to understand the risks and potential complications of facial treatments.  This increases the preparation, planning and aftercare regime for each patient.  All cosmetic treatments have inherent risks and potential complications where any result cannot be generalised to an individual given the unique diversity of genetic conditions, medical conditions, diet and exercise.  Please click here to learn more about the potential risks of treatments.
5. Continuation of care and follow-up.  Truthfully, the quality of ongoing care is determined by the professional network affiliated with the medical practitioner.  There are specific requirements and goals for continuous professional development specific to cosmetic medicine and surgery.  This determines the quality provided by the medical practitioner to patients seeking cosmetic facial treatments.

Click here to learn more about the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine that provides trusted, quality and experienced training in cosmetic medicine and surgery.

About Dr Nara - He is a key stakeholder in cosmetic medicine and surgery being actively involved in continuous professional development, cosmetic research and patient care.  His balanced, open and trusted approach to aesthetic surgery and medicine compliments the elements required for understanding and respecting patients from all walks of life.  He sees patients in Melbourne and Tasmania.  The trusted and experienced team at RevAesthetic including practice manager Cate, cosmetic liaison Jenny and registered nurse Caroline will look forward to listen to your unique enquiry.  Dr Nara performs comprehensive clinical assessments on patients seeking cosmetic facial treatments in order to provide them with the best treatment options available.
His trusted years of experience seeing and performing cosmetic facial treatmets compliments your consultation

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All patients are assessed in line with Medical Board of Australia Guidelines.  Click here to learn more about us.