J Plast Surg | Volume 1, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Botulinum Toxin Self-Injection on YouTube: A Word of Caution

Mayer Tenenhaus1, Isabelle Rennekampff2 and Hans-Oliver Rennekampff3*

1San Diego, CA, USA 2Medical University RWTH Aachen, Germany 3Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Burn Surgery, Rhein Maas Klinikum, Germany

*Correspondance to: Hans-Oliver Rennekampff 

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Abstract

Objective: YouTube has become a prominent source of health information for many. The distribution of videos described as “Do-it Yourself” (DIY), “Did it Myself” (DIM) of botulinum toxin are increasingly being uploaded. We analyzed the promotion of DIY and DIM procedures of botulinum injection on YouTube. Methods: YouTube DE was searched in February 2021. Search terms were “Botox” and “do it yourself” or “did it myself”. The search was limited to the English language and non-MD presenters. Each video was analyzed for quantitative aspects and content quality. Results: A total of 32 videos were analyzed with a median of 5,007 views. The median length (excluding videos <1 min) was 15:09 min. The median number of comments was 74. A disclaimer was given in 78%, complications were mentioned in 47%, management of possible complications was not addressed, and danger zones were noted in 25%. Two thirds of YouTubers included Promotion codes. Conclusion: The format of self administration of botulinum toxin lacks reliable data, and critical oversight. Communicated quality criteria information is at best suboptimal. With ever more health information presented on social media platforms a professional watchful attitude is both judicious and necessary by medical organizations and/or the health systems.

Keywords:

Botox; Botulinum toxin; DIY; DIM; Face; YouTube

Citation:

Tenenhaus M, Rennekampff I, Rennekampff H-O. Botulinum Toxin Self-Injection on YouTube: A Word of Caution. J Plast Surg. 2021; 1(2): 1007..

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