Botox 'on the go' hits potholes

For sources contacted by Dermatology Times, however, the service raises concerns about the treatments' quality, efficacy and safety, while highlighting the issue of nonphysician medical practice.

Like any new service, Mr. Fisher says, "It will take a little time. But I'm sure it will catch on."

Red flags raised

Already, the service is raising red flags among dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

"It has a lot of potential problems," says Bruce E. Katz, M.D., director of Juva Skin & Laser Center in New York and clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Dr. Katz raises two concerns.

"A patient might not be in a comfortable chair, and can move when they're being injected," resulting in a needle in the eye, he adds.

Mr. Fisher counters that to prevent problems, MobileBotox uses the same procedures as its brick-and-mortar counterpart, on the advice of NYLM's medical director, Neil Neimark, M.D.

He adds, "The PA has ultimate authority" to deny treatment if a workplace fails to meet sanitary or other requirements.

Likewise, he says PAs know not to inject clients seated in chairs that move. As for Botox handling and storage, Mr. Fisher says padded cases containing dry ice allow traveling PAs to meet all manufacturer specifications.