Many American medical professionals say they are seeing an increased number of patients suffering the ill effects of illegal cosmetic injections, according to California news outlet SF Gate. Some patients pay for these treatments on the black market in an effort to save money, but oftentimes the “cheap” injections end up costing far more in the long run. Expensive follow-up medical treatments are sometimes needed to try to reverse the procedure and, unfortunately, it’s not always possible to erase the cosmetic and physical damage that results.
When one California woman ordered a dermal filler online and injected it at home, her skin quickly developed a gravelly texture, SF Gate reports. She later learned it contained a material similar to Plexiglas that triggered a severe reaction. She had to have surgery and now has permanent scarring.
Dr. Brett Coldiron, president of the American Academy of Dermatology, said physicians in the association are noticing a definite upswing in the number of patients seeking corrective treatment after bad injections. Three people in Los Angeles reportedly lost their sight after someone other than a physician injected a dermal filler into their faces and accidentally hit arteries. The substance migrated into their eyes.
At least several people in the United States have reportedly died after having illegal injections. FOX News reports that in 2011 one woman had to have her hands and feet amputated after she had black market buttocks injections.
Never trust your health and appearance to someone who is not qualified to offer expert medical care. If you are interested in exploring surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including FDA-approved injections, you should only consult with the best board certified plastic surgeons. To discuss your options, schedule a consultation with Earl Dwayne Lett, MD of The Lett Center today.