Are You At Risk From Fake Aesthetics?

So you’ve heard about a really exciting aesthetic device that’s finally come to a clinic near you! Or perhaps you’re now ready to try toxin or filler and you’ve even managed to find it at a really discounted rate. You’re probably already daydreaming about your amazing outcomes… but, just wait a moment. Are you at risk from fake aesthetics? 

Could what you think is the tried, tested and clinically approved aesthetic technology of your dreams actually be a ‘fake’ hiding in plain sight – especially if it feels too good to be true? And, in a phenomenon that is becoming worryingly more common – case in point the blatant use of Emerald or Hydrafacial marketing material on fake machines – these counterfeits could be risking your safety as well as the quality of your results.

We investigated the worrying rise in ‘fake aesthetic devices and products’ and here’s what you need to know…

What is a ‘fake’?

From imitations of aesthetics devices to falsely branded vials of toxin, counterfeit technologies and treatments often mimic the appearance or functionality of the real deal. However, they don’t adhere to proper standards in terms of efficacy, ingredients and safety. This can make them cheaper to buy (and thus be treated with) but there are plenty of really scary risks involved – not just poor results, but long-term damage to your skin.

Why has there been a rise in fake aesthetic devices?

Increased demand 

More and more people are intrigued by tweakments and the surge in interest in particular technologies has opened the door to those in the ‘black market’ who see an opportunity to profiteer.

Cheap deals 

The fact that we, as consumers, have less cash in our pockets (thank you cost of living crisis) also has a role to play – as we seek out the best ‘deals’. Technological advancements has made replicating genuine aesthetic devices easier, and unauthorised products are often cheaper … but that’s often because corners have been cut in some way.

Greater ‘access’

Equally, there is the illusion of greater access to aesthetics technologies, and e-commerce sites and social media (where fakes abound) can make selling counterfeits ‘easier’. You can even go onto Amazon and find vials of filler if you look hard enough … but you really don’t want anyone to be sourcing them this way!

Lack of regulation 

We talk a lot about the lack of regulation in aesthetics here at TTG and that definitely has a role to play in the rise in fakes. For example, many legitimate companies will only supply their products to licensed practitioners, so potentially unscrupulous individuals may look to fakes to still treat patients with the ‘latest technologies’, but without the right equipment or training.

“The UK medical aesthetics industry is so easily accessible with no regulation, so people are uneducated about what is real and what is not real,” affirms Vanessa Brown, the head of Sales and Marketing at EMEA (the company behind Emerald Laser that has seen a worrying boom in copycat and fake devices). “In Europe, a device only needs to show safety, not efficacy unlike in the USA, and devices are so easily produced in China!”

Do some digging

“Before booking a treatment, make sure you research the clinic and its practitioners, checking reviews, certifications, and the devices used,” says Brown. “You can also ask about the manufacturer of the device and cross-check this with the original company to verify the equipment if you have any concerns.”

Double check visuals

The same is true of before-and-after photographs. Seen a clinic proudly displaying before-and-afters for a particular technology on their website, but something doesn’t feel quite right? Do a quick reverse image search to check they aren’t using someone else’s images. This, unfortunately, can be more common than you think.

Look to verified provider programmes 

HydraFacial has become so concerned about fake devices it has set up a verified provider programme to help keep patients safe. “What we are doing, individually clinic by clinic, is going in and making sure that the device is being used and operated properly with the right equipment,” says White. “That means you can now look for the Hydrafacial Verified Provider sticker and know with certainty you are being treated correctly.” In good news, other aesthetics companies are increasingly launching similar initiatives, so do look out for them.

Check all aspects of the technology

“It’s not just the device itself that can be counterfeit, it can be the serums or other attributes used with it that are counterfeit too,” says White. “If this is the case, we can’t guarantee safety and efficacy because they haven’t gone through the same rigorous testing. So, ask to see the machine, the serums and the disposable tips before treatment. I know it sounds silly, but you would look at the label of a handbag before you buy it. It should be the same for [aesthetic devices].”

Be price aware

We all want a ‘good deal’, but ‘be cautious of prices that seem too low,” says Brown. “If the price of a treatment is significantly lower than other reputable clinics – and you should take the time to compare different offerings – it might be a red flag indicating the use of inferior or counterfeit devices. Patients should be wary of choosing based solely on price.”

Report something that doesn’t seem right

“You can also report suspicious devices to regulatory authorities or the true companies behind them, to help prevent the spread of counterfeit technologies,” says Brown.

Trust word of mouth and referrals 

Finally, “seeking recommendations from trusted friends, family members, or professionals who have undergone the treatment at reputable clinics can one of the most helpful ways to avoid falling victim to fake devices,” says Brown.

That’s why here at TTG we’ve made it our mission to recommend both practitioners and brands through personal experience. Have a question? Feel free to Ask Alice.