Tampa Bay-based non-surgical cosmetic center Skinspirations details the dangers of receiving fillers from an unqualified provider.
As Americans increasingly put importance on outer appearances, the lengths to which people go to retain their youth seem endless. Dermal fillers have seen a rise in complications—a reported 84% of people who suffered complications from permanent dermal fillers required corrective surgery or were deemed untreatable due to the damage caused (1). Skinspirations (http://www.skinspirations-info.com/), a non-surgical cosmetic center in Tampa Bay, warns of the dangers of botched dermal filler injections and the complications that may arise.
Dermal fillers, used to rejuvenate the skin, have grown in popularity due in large part to their effectiveness, versatility and accessibility. Doctors cite unqualified practitioners and a lack of regulation of fillers as reasons for the increase in complications. Because unskilled individuals typically perform the procedures at a low price, many people turn to these alternate avenues to achieve their goals, resulting in dire consequences.
Case in Point:
Rajee Narinesingh says her face was ruined after receiving botched facial injections from an unqualified “fake doctor,’’ Oneal Ron Morris. Narinesingh admitted that she initially turned to Morris because she did not have the money to pay a licensed plastic surgeon. Narinesingh was been left with misshapen cheeks and chin, as well as a ballooning upper lip, after the backroom beauty treatment. Narinesingh’s face was injected with a toxic mixture of cement and tire sealant, leaving her with life-threatening injuries that required several surgeries and round-the-clock care (2).
Skinspirations warns that although dermal fillers are believed to be safe, the injections—if administered incorrectly—can lead to an array of issues such as above. Complications of botched fillers can include:
- Infections at the injection site;
- Permanent scarring;
- Prolonged swelling and bruising; and
- Vision impairment.
Dr. Cynthia Elliott, owner of Skinspirations, is a former emergency and trauma doctor who has taught fellow physicians in Tampa Bay how to properly administer fillers for the last several years. With a practice devoted exclusively to cosmetic and laser procedures, Dr. Elliott is often sought out to correct the effects of botched filler treatments. She offers three tips to consider when choosing a practitioner:
1. Injecting fillers is a skilled procedure, and should be administered only by a trained, qualified doctor.
2. Look for clinics and practitioners whose main focus is aesthetic or surgical procedures. Look for someone who has years of experience with the procedure you’re looking to have done.
3. Most reputable clinics offer free consultations to those who are curious about cosmetic procedures. This is a great opportunity to check out the premises and ask the following important questions:
a. What are your qualifications? (Look for a board-certified practitioner.)
b. How many times have you done this procedure? (There is no ideal number, but you at least want to hear that the physician does the procedure several times a day.
c. What are the potential complications and risks? (It’s a huge red flag if you’re promised a risk-free procedure—there is no such thing.)
d. Are follow-up services offered? (It’s good practice for the doctor to follow up with you at two weeks to make sure that the result is the one you were looking for, and to give you a top up if any areas were missed.)
e. Ensure that the fillers contain only FDA-approved materials. (Approved materials include collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads.)
Dr. Elliott has the experience and expertise to perform a wide array of non-surgical procedures (http://www.skinspirations-info.com/) in her Tampa Bay office. Despite the benefits of permanent fillers, Dr. Elliott wants patients to understand that there are still risks involved. “The ramifications of botched fillers are serious, and those seeking fillers should do thorough research before committing to the injections,” commented Dr. Elliott. “Dermal fillers should only be administered by a licensed practitioner.”
For more information about Skinspirations, visit www.skinspirations-info.com.
About Dr. Cynthia Elliott and Skinspirations:
Cynthia Elliott, M.D., is the board-certified owner of Skinspirations, located in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Elliott obtained her M.D. from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and then completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Denver General Hospital and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She has been on staff at Bayfront Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital, University Community Hospital and Mease Countryside Hospital, and has served on the faculty of the USF School of Medicine. Dr. Elliott currently serves as an expert witness in Cosmetic Medicine for the Florida Board of Medicine. Her company, ExpertEsthetics (http://www.expertesthetics.com/), provides online video training in advanced injection techniques, as well as hands-on technique training for other practitioners. Dr. Elliott is also a national and international trainer for Cutera Lasers (http://www.skinspirations-info.com/subpages/Laser_Hair_Removal.asp), training other physicians in the use of aesthetic lasers (http://www.skinspirations-info.com/subpages/Laser_Treatments.asp) with skin of all colors. Skinspirations specializes exclusively in rejuvenation, enhancement and anti-aging treatments for the face and body. With her staff of aesthetic experts, you know you’ll get the best results obtainable. Dr. Elliott has been in practice for over 20 years, and has the experience and reputation to have been chosen by the makers of Botox® Cosmetic and Juvederm to train other physicians and practitioners in her techniques. For more information, visit www.skinspirations-info.com.
1. “Two Out of Three Surgeons Seeing Botched Filler Ops.” Baaps.org.uk. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, 24 Nov. 2012. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. baaps.org.uk/about-us/press-releases/1500-two-out-of-three-surgeons-seeing-botched-filler-ops.
2. Murphy, Chris, and Tamara Abraham. “Woman Injected With Cement and Tyre Sealant by ‘Butt Implant Doctor’.” Dailymail.co.uk. Mail Online, 30 Nov. 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2067670/Shocking-new-pictures-reveal-horrific-damage-face-woman-injected-cement-tyre-sealant-butt-implant-doctor.html.
