IRNA News: Use of Botulinum Toxin for Cosmetic Procedures in Beauty Salons Is Prohibited

Introduction

The growing demand for aesthetic services—particularly botulinum toxin (Botox) injections—has led some unauthorized centers such as beauty salons to perform cosmetic injections without medical expertise. According to dermatology specialists, such practices can cause serious complications, including facial paralysis, visual disturbances, and nerve damage.

In response to these risks, experts participating in a training workshop on the Iranian botulinum toxin drug “Dyston” emphasized that these treatments must be performed exclusively in licensed medical centers and under physician supervision. The event also highlighted the scientific and technological capabilities of Dyston, a knowledge-based Iranian neurotoxin product.

News Report

Use of Botulinum Toxin for Cosmetic Procedures in Beauty Salons Is Prohibited

Tehran – IRNA : The Head of the Dermatology Department at Iran University of Medical Sciences issued a serious warning regarding the use of botulinum toxin in beauty salons and unauthorized centers, stating that cosmetic injections performed by non-specialists are dangerous and strictly prohibited.

According to IRNA, citing the Iranian Society of Dermatology, Dr. Elham Behrangi, speaking at a training workshop on Dyston (botulinum toxin) attended by specialists from related medical fields, explained that the use of botulinum toxin by salons and unlicensed centers for cosmetic purposes can result in eyelid drooping, partial facial paralysis, visual impairment, and various nerve injuries. She strongly advised individuals not to undergo such procedures without verifying the practitioner’s medical expertise and experience.

Dr. Behrangi noted that scientific progress and technical expertise in the production of these drugs have significantly advanced in Iran, and that Dyston, using precise and application-specific techniques and dosages, is prescribed and administered by qualified specialists for targeted areas of the body.

Emphasizing the importance of medical knowledge and clinical experience, she added that prior to injection, injection points must be carefully mapped, and target muscles must be selected with precision to avoid damage to sensitive nerves and blood vessels. Otherwise, undesirable facial asymmetry or temporary muscle paralysis may occur.

Dyston: A Knowledge-Based Iranian Neurotoxin

Dr. Behrouz Barikbin, Professor at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, stated that the technology behind Dyston is the result of efforts by Iranian knowledge-based specialists. He explained that Dyston is currently used for:

• Treatment of resistant migraine headaches

• Management of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

• Skin rejuvenation and aesthetic treatments

He added that Dyston outperforms imported alternatives in terms of effectiveness, quality, accessibility, and cost, making it a highly suitable option for physicians across the country.

Dr. Barikbin noted that the purpose of the workshop was to teach practical injection principles to medical graduates and specialty residents, sharing over 25 years of clinical experience to ensure treatments are performed with maximum effectiveness and minimal side effects.

He emphasized that while most physicians using this domestically produced knowledge-based product report positive outcomes and long-lasting effects, optimal success depends heavily on the injector’s experience, proper preparation, and correct dilution techniques of botulinum toxin.

Reducing Dependency on Imports Through Domestic Production

Dr. Barikbin further stated that neurotoxins and facial muscle relaxants are now produced domestically, significantly reducing Iran’s reliance on imports. Currently, over 95% of national demand is met through locally manufactured products.

Dyston in the Treatment of Chronic Migraine

Dr. Hossein Delavar Kasmaei, a Neurology Subspecialist, highlighted the role of Dyston in treating patients with chronic migraine and long-term migraine headaches. He stated that one of the most effective treatment approaches is combination therapy involving medication and Dyston injections.

He added that Iranian knowledge-based companies have successfully localized the production of this drug, and that sufficient quantities have been used clinically with very positive results. From his professional perspective, Dyston is highly effective and practically applicable.

Dr. Delavar Kasmaei explained that patients experiencing migraine headaches on 15 or more days per month, whether medication-dependent or unresponsive to oral treatments, are ideal candidates for Dyston therapy.

He further clarified that headaches lasting between four and 72 hours are considered a diagnostic criterion for chronic migraine, and injectable treatment can be initiated accordingly. He expressed pride that this drug is produced in Iran, while many neighboring and regional countries have not yet achieved the technology required for its production.

Conclusion

Based on expert warnings, the use of botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes must be strictly limited to trained physicians and licensed medical facilities. The Iranian drug Dyston has emerged as a safe, effective, accessible, and high-quality alternative to imported botulinum toxin products, enabling treatments such as wrinkle reduction, sweat control, and migraine management.

Avoiding cosmetic procedures in unauthorized centers and trusting domestic medical expertise is a critical step toward ensuring patient safety, aesthetic success, and long-term health outcomes.