Colorado Medical Spa Investigated for Unapproved Botox
State health officials investigated a spa that administered unapproved botulinum toxin to 52 patients.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Beauty
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Between December 2025 and January 2026, 52 patients received botulinum toxin injections at a Colorado medical spa using unapproved products purchased online. Health agencies launched an investigation after three patients reported symptoms including blurred vision and muscle weakness.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights the safety risks associated with medical spas using unapproved products that lack proper oversight. These incidents underscore the importance of verifying that cosmetic providers adhere to federal safety standards for injectable treatments.
A survey sent to 52 patients resulted in 27 responses, representing a 47% response rate. None of the patients who reported adverse symptoms required hospitalization following their treatment.
The players
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
This state agency is responsible for protecting public health and preventing the spread of disease within Colorado.
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
This state organization oversees professional licensing and investigates consumer complaints against businesses and practitioners.
The details
Authorities discovered that the provider used improper diluents and failed to maintain adequate temperature monitoring for the products. Following the findings, the spa received a public health order to stop using the unapproved injections and a formal complaint was filed with state regulators.
Timeline
Patients received botulinum toxin injections between December 2025 and January 2026.
The CDC published the final investigation report on October 8, 2026.
Culture Shift
This incident follows a pattern set by the 2023 botulism-like illness cluster linked to unapproved medical spa injectables by demonstrating persistent safety risks within the cosmetic injectable market. It reflects a growing regulatory scrutiny on the medical spa industry as demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures surges.
Residents should verify that their medical spa providers use FDA-approved products to avoid potential side effects like muscle weakness or blurred vision. Patients who have received injections can protect themselves by confirming that the facility maintains proper sanitation and temperature protocols.
The takeaway
Patients should always confirm that cosmetic injectable products are sourced from legitimate, FDA-approved channels before treatment. If you experience unexpected numbness or weakness after a procedure, contact a medical professional immediately to report symptoms.
Further reading
For more information on industry safety standards, visit our Beauty section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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