Baby Boomers in particular will seek ways to protect or recapture their youthful looks, and many will choose injectible products such as Botox and Restylane. Unfortunately, high demand for these procedures combined with a still-tight economy opens the door for unscrupulous providers offering discount fillers.

Horror stories of these dubious "doctors" (often unlicensed, untrained or poorly trained) abound. Even celebrity clients fall victim to providers selling injections purported to be legitimate products like Botox and Restylane for deeply discounted prices, usually at parties and in independent offices or private homes. In one infamous case, actress Priscilla Presley was injected with what investigators described as an industrial-grade silicone that hardened beneath her skin. The provider, Dr. Daniel Serrano, later was imprisoned for illegally importing and distributing a non-FDA approved filler.

"In situations like Ms. Presley's, fillers often are procured illegally, usually from offshore, and typically are knockoffs or diluted forms of FDA-approved fillers," says Dr. Phillip Garcia of Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery near Jacksonville, FL. "But any adulteration of an FDA-approved filler could result in a product that is ineffective at best, dangerous or even deadly."

Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, Dr. Garcia and brother, Dr. Roberto Garcia, urge you to do a little research. Check with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery to confirm that the physician you choose is a member in good standing. Visit the website of the maker of the injectible product you choose and look for the physicians' names among those qualified to administer the product. Also check with your state's department of health to assure that the physician is licensed to practice in your state and that his or her licenses are current.

If you choose to get a facial filler at a location other than a physician's office, such as a Botox party, ask to see a vial from which the physician is drawing the filler. Make sure that it is clearly marked with the product name and manufacturer's name and that it is sealed. Also be wary of extremely discounted prices or demands for cash-only payment. Both are red flags that you may be dealing with an unscrupulous provider and dubious products.

Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery near Jacksonville provides a full array of facial plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The Drs. Garcia both are double-board certified physicians specializing in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Call (904) 247-8522 or complete an online email form to ask questions or schedule a consultation.