Hong Kong woman in critical condition after receiving Botox injections in mainland China

The woman on May 22 sought help from the accident and emergency services at Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam, but left on the same day against medical advice.

As her condition deteriorated, she was admitted to the same hospital the next day and discharged on May 25.

The woman once again sought help from public health services on June 2 and was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital due to “shortness of breath, choking and limb weakness”. She was transferred to the intensive care unit three days later.

“She is now in critical condition. The clinical diagnosis was suspected iatrogenic botulism,” the department spokesman said.

It refers to a rare but serious condition which can develop when too much botulinum toxin is injected for cosmetic or medical reasons.

“Initial investigations revealed that the patient received botulinum toxin injections at a beauty parlour in Zhuhai on April 27 and May 15,” the spokesman added.

He said the department’s Centre for Health Protection had reported the case to mainland authorities, and that the epidemiological investigation was still ongoing.

Botulinum toxin injection, or Botox, is commonly used in cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes. It also serves other medical purposes, such as treatment of severe underarm sweating and overactive bladders.

The department said Botox injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor in Hong Kong, and urged customers to check the doctor’s qualification and experience.

The spokesman added that residents seeking such treatment outside the city should try to ensure the provider was qualified or registered.

He also urged the public not to receive injections obtained from suspicious sources and seek medical health if feeling unwell.