Beware of Unlicensed Injectors in Houston

Aesthetic Lab is a reputable and licensed Med Spa in Houston, and having been in the industry for so long, we are absolutely compelled to address a growing concern in our city. The rise of unlicensed injectors in Houston. In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in individuals offering injectable treatments without proper licensing or training, and that puts the health and safety of our community at a great risk.

So, what exactly are unlicensed injectors? They are individuals that are basically practicing medicine without a license. These illegal injectors administer injectable treatments, such as Botox or dermal fillers, without the necessary medical qualifications, licenses, or oversight. They are untrained and often operate out of improper facilities, such as homes or non-medical settings; the big reason most people fall for their schemes is the promise of lower prices.

The popularity of these unlicensed injectors in Houston is really scary. According to recent reports, the number of complaints and investigations related to unlicensed injectable treatments has skyrocketed in our city. Perhaps better than most, we truly understand the devastating consequences that can result from trusting people who are not qualified in cosmetic procedures and illegal butt injections.

We’ll be covering the specific risks and dangers associated with these illegal practices, and the legal and regulatory aspects as provided by the Texas Medical Board. We’ll also share personal stories from people who have fallen victim to these unlicensed injectors.

Risks and Dangers

There are a lot of risks and dangers that can have serious, long-lasting effects if you trust unlicensed injectors with your health (and looks).

Lack of Proper Training and Knowledge

One of the most significant dangers comes from the lack of proper training and knowledge among unlicensed injectors. They do not go through the rigorous medical education, training, and certification required to safely administer treatments such as botox injections. They lack a deep understanding about the anatomy of the face, the ingredients in the products, or injection techniques, which can have terrible results. When injections are done wrong, they can hurt, bruise, swell, and even damage nerves or paralyze the person. In some cases, it can even result in a fatality.

Unsanitary Conditions and Poor Hygiene Practices

Also, unlicensed injectors often work in unsanitary conditions with poor hygiene practices. For example, they may not follow proper sterilization protocols or use disposable, single-use needles and equipment. This makes getting bacterial and viral illnesses like staph infections, hepatitis, and even HIV much more likely. These infections can definitely cause major health problems, scars, and situations that could be life-threatening. Read more: Staph Infections.

Increased Risk of Complications and Infections

Another alarming aspect of unlicensed injectors is the increased risk of complications. Due to their lack of expertise and proper training, these individuals may inject fillers into blood vessels, causing vascular occlusion, which can lead to tissue death, necrosis, and permanent disfigurement. They may also inject excessive amounts of product or place it in the wrong areas, which will result in lumps, asymmetry, and an unnatural appearance.

Use of Substandard or Counterfeit Products

Another trend in the Houston area among illegal injectors is that they often use substandard or counterfeit products to cut costs and maximize profits. These products usually are not tested or regulated properly, and it’s possible that the ingredients aren’t what they say they are. Counterfeit injectables may also contain harmful substances, such as industrial-grade silicone, which can cause severe inflammatory reactions, granulomas, and even life-threatening complications (more on this below).

Personal Stories and Experiences

Here are some interviews and recent headlines that made an impact on us.

Interviews with Victims of Unlicensed Injectors

We reached out to two individuals who fell victim to unlicensed injectors in Houston to share their stories and raise awareness about the dangers of these illegal practices. We’ve changed their names for privacy!

Sarah, a 28-year-old woman, had always been self-conscious about her lips. When she came across an Instagram post advertising cheap lip fillers, she thought she had found the perfect solution. The injector, who claimed to be a “certified professional,” and a large made-up portfolio, offered the treatment in her home at a fraction of the cost of a licensed medical spa.

“I was hesitant at first, but the price was too tempting to pass up. The experience was horrifying. The injector’s home was not clean, and she didn’t seem to follow any proper hygiene protocols. I was too afraid to back out but I didn’t think at the time she wasn’t certified. After the treatment, my lips swelled up to triple their size and it felt extremely painful. It was only later that I discovered she had used a counterfeit product, which caused a severe infection. I ended up in the hospital for a week and had to undergo multiple corrective surgeries. It’s a mistake I’ll regret for the rest of my life.”

Michael, a 35-year-old man, had been considering Botox injections to address his forehead wrinkles. He found an unlicensed injector through a friend who claimed to have had a positive experience.

“Man, I trusted my friend’s recommendation, but I should have done my own research. The injector seemed nervous and unsure during the treatment, which made me uncomfortable but I was too dumb to put two and two together. A few days later, I noticed that my left eyebrow was drooping, and I had difficulty moving my forehead. I went to a doctor who informed me that the injector had used the wrong technique and injected the Botox into the wrong muscles. It took months for the effects to wear off, and I still have some asymmetry that never really went away”

Recent Accounts of Unlicensed Injectors in the News

The stories of Sarah and Michael aren’t unique. Houston news outlets have reported numerous cases of individuals falling victim to unlicensed injectors in recent years.

ABC 13 recently covered a story regarding an unlicensed cosmetic clinician that was injecting people with a silicone-like substance that caused all kinds of side effects. In particular, one of his clients said “My body was shutting down. I had a million side effects,” she said. “I literally wanted to kill myself every day. I would just wake up miserable for so long.” The police found counterfeit Botox when they arrested this guy.

Another popular story you probably came across involved a woman, Lisa Fernandez, who is accused of illegally administering silicone butt injections while unlicensed. This resulted in a death. You can ready about the story here: Botched Butt Injections: Charged with Manslaughter. These stories tell you clearly how dangerous it is to use an injector that isn’t licensed. People who want to get injectable treatments need to be very careful and only trust licensed, qualified medical workers with their health and well-being.

Raising Awareness

As a licensed Houston Med Spa, we feel it’s our duty to educate the public about the importance of choosing licensed professionals for injectable treatments and to provide resources to help identify and report unlicensed injectors.

Importance of Choosing Licensed Professionals

It is critical to choose licensed professionals who have undergone extensive training and certification. Licensed medical professionals, such as board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and registered nurses, have the knowledge and expertise to safely administer injectable treatments. They understand the complex anatomy of the face, the proper techniques for injection, and the potential risks and complications associated with these procedures.

Choosing a licensed professional also ensures that you are receiving FDA-approved products from reputable manufacturers. Licensed providers are required to use genuine, safe, and effective products, reducing the risk of complications and adverse reactions. For more information, you can read Rule §193.17, which basically establishes the duties and responsibilities of physicians who perform or delegate the performance of nonsurgical medical cosmetic procedures in Texas.

How to Identify Unlicensed Injectors

Offering treatments in non-medical settings, such as homes, hotels, or salons
Lack of proper medical credentials or an unwillingness to provide proof of license
Unusually low prices compared to licensed medical spas or clinics (don’t fall for it!)
Pressure to get treatments right away or offering limited-time deals
Not getting a thorough medical consultation and assessment before treatment
Use of unapproved or imported products without proper labeling

If you encounter any of these red flags, it’s best to trust your instincts and find a licensed professional.

Resources for Reporting Unlicensed Injectors

If you suspect that someone is operating as an unlicensed injector, then we suggest you do your part and report them to the proper authorities. This can help protect others from becoming victims, and you may even save a life. In Texas, you can report unlicensed injectors to the following organizations:

Texas Medical Board: File a complaint online at https://www.tmb.state.tx.us/page/place-a-complaint or call their hotline at 1-800-201-9353.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation: Submit a complaint online at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/complaints/ or call their customer service line at 1-800-803-9202.

Schedule a Consultation

At Aesthetic Lab, we are committed to providing safe, effective, and legal injectable treatments performed by licensed medical professionals that work with board certified plastic surgeons. There’s a reason (okay, maybe a few) we’re known for the Best Botox in Houston.

But really, it’s heartbreaking to see the damage caused by unlicensed injectors in our beautiful city. The pursuit of a more youthful or enhanced appearance should never come at the cost of one’s health and well-being. Speak to a professional, schedule a consultation.

June 5, 2024