The march of time is inexorable, with its passage marked by the aging of our bodies. For those among us who refuse to go gentle into that good night, new treatments promising to stave off the unwelcome but inevitable facial wrinkles and creases that hint at our stage in life’s journey seem to appear every day. While taut, unblemished skin can make one feel younger, straying from established medical procedures and licensed professionals can bring a life’s story to a premature end.
The July 19, 2026, death of Elizabeth Baron at the Bereshit Lifestyle Center in New York City once again highlighted the potential dangers of anti-aging injections and IV therapy treatments when not properly administered by licensed medical professionals. Luis Rojas Cabrera, who claims to hold a medical license in the Dominican Republic but has only an esthetician license in the U.S., is facing charges of reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession for allegedly administering a procedure that led to Baron’s passing.
While products like botulinum toxin (Botox) have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), not every version on the market meets federal standards or is used as directed. Those seeking treatments at health spas or “wellness centers” may be trading a lower cost for the uncertainty of having a dangerous substance being introduced into their bodies by someone unqualified to do so. For those hoping to say goodbye to laugh lines and forehead creases, there are a few things to keep in mind before saying yes to the needle.
You Know, My Occipitofrontalis Muscle Has Been Looking a Little Slack Lately
The human body is in a constant state of entropy, and our skin is no exception. We produce less collagen and elastin as we age, which prevents our skin from remaining as taut as it did during our younger years. An entire industry thrives on delaying the ravages of time for as long as possible, from topical creams to surgeries like rhytidectomy (facelift).
One of the most well-known techniques involves injecting Botox into facial muscles. Originally approved for medical use on chronic migraines, overactive bladders, and cervical dystonia, it also became increasingly popular as a cosmetic treatment for skin. It works as a nerve blocker, essentially tightening the skin by paralyzing the muscle beneath it. As the name “botulinum toxin” suggests, the substance has the potential to cause botulism and sicken or even kill the person it’s injected into. Carrying an FDA “black box” warning, its use and application are restricted to licensed medical professionals.
Exactly what medical personnel qualify can vary by state. For example, in New York, only the following are allowed to administer Botox treatments:
- Physicians
- Physician assistants
- Nurse practitioners
- Dentists
- Podiatrists
- Registered nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
For those lured by great deals on treatments offered by a local spa or wellness center, it’s a good idea to find out the qualifications of the person giving the injections and whether the Botox being used is approved by the state and the FDA. While an esthetician (or “aesthetician” in some jurisdictions) can perform complex procedures like chemical peels and laser hair removal treatments, they must be supervised by a licensed physician to administer Botox in the few states that allow them to (Nevada, Ohio, and Illinois).
With Elizabeth Baron, Cabrera was administering an IV infusion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which some studies have hailed as showing potential to “ameliorate or reverse the progression of aging.” It has not received FDA approval for any specific medical treatment. IV infusions pose different and often greater risks than properly administered, labeled Botox injections, especially when the IV solution is not an FDA‑approved drug. During the session, Baron fell into medical distress and fell unconscious before dying. Under New York law, IV drug therapies must be ordered and overseen by licensed medical professionals. Reports indicate that Cabrera was not licensed in New York to prescribe or administer this kind of treatment, which is why he now faces unauthorized practice charges.
Cheaper Is Not Always Better
Cabrera may face additional charges once the autopsy produces a toxicology report, with civil action from Baron’s family likely as well. Regardless, Baron’s unfortunate demise may serve as a warning bell for those seeking anti-aging treatments.
While spas and wellness centers can legally perform a number of rejuvenating treatments, most invasive medical procedures require the presence of qualified and licensed medical professionals. In some states, businesses that administer Botox and similar treatments must also be licensed as medical facilities. Before letting someone inject a toxin into your face, infuse a non-FDA-approved substance into your hand, or engage in Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling, it’s a good idea to make sure they’ve been licensed by the state and meet all qualifications. This should also serve as a deterrent from attempting to administer any of the techniques yourself.
What goes into you is just as important as who is getting it there. Anti-aging treatments like Botox aren’t cheap, and it might pay to be wary of any offer that’s substantially below the norm. Any Botox requires a prescription from a licensed physician, and you absolutely have the right to ask the brand and manufacturer of any substance that’s going to be used. Make sure it’s not from a source that the FDA has already identified as a potential issue. Dismissing red flags can lead to unfortunate results.
