Colorado Spa Stopped Using Unapproved Botulinum Toxin
A medical spa in Colorado ceased using unapproved botulinum toxin products after three patients reported neurologic side effects.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Beauty
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Three women suffered neurologic symptoms including muscle weakness and blurred vision after receiving cosmetic injections at a Colorado medical spa. Health authorities subsequently issued a formal order for the facility to stop using the unapproved botulinum neurotoxin products involved.
Why it matters
The use of unapproved substances for cosmetic procedures can lead to serious health complications due to unknown concentrations or improper handling. Officials found that inappropriate storage and usage at the site may have contributed to these patient reactions.
Three patients reported symptoms including numbness, tingling, and dysphonia following injections in the brow or lip. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment identified improper product storage and usage at the facility.
The players
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
This state agency is responsible for overseeing public health standards and safety investigations across Colorado.
FDA
The Food and Drug Administration is the federal agency tasked with regulating medical products and ensuring the safety of treatments used in the United States.
CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the national public health institute that monitors and investigates disease outbreaks.
The details
Patients received injections in the glabella, upper brow, or upper lip before experiencing adverse neurologic effects. One of the affected individuals required additional medical care for symptoms like neck stiffness and muscle weakness.
Timeline
In 2024, the CDC conducted investigations into botulism cases in Tennessee and New York.
During 2025, the FDA issued warnings to 18 websites that were selling unapproved botulinum neurotoxin products.
Culture Shift
This incident highlights a growing danger as consumers increasingly turn to aesthetic procedures while illicit markets distribute unregulated products. It mirrors the 2025 FDA warnings regarding 18 websites selling unapproved BoNT products, marking a continued effort to track illicit cosmetic supply chains.
Residents should verify that any cosmetic provider uses only FDA-approved products to avoid risks like muscle weakness or vision impairment. Patients are encouraged to inquire about the specific brands of toxins being administered during their appointments.
The takeaway
When choosing cosmetic procedures, always ask for documentation confirming that the products are FDA-approved for clinical use. Avoiding providers that offer non-standard or suspiciously inexpensive treatments is essential for protecting your long-term health.
Further reading
For more information on safety standards in the industry, visit the Beauty section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medscape.
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