Dangers with unqualified cosmetic injectors and illegal substances on the rise

The increased popularity of cosmetic injectable fillers has also resulted in a rise in illegal injections with dangerous substances by unlicensed or unqualified injectors, cautions the Physician’s Coalition for Injectable Safety (PCIS). This announcement was made in response to a report published online by the newjerseynewsroom.com (11/23/10) announcing that an Essex County, New Jersey Grand Jury returned a three-count indictment (#10-11-2686-I) charging Anivia Cruz-Dilworth, 28, of New Brunswick with practicing medicine without a license.

According to the report, “In March, six women showed up in the emergency rooms of Essex County area hospitals complaining of problems after having received buttocks-enhancement injections. An investigation revealed Cruz-Dilworth had [allegedly] injected women with what she described as hydrogel. Several of the women sustained serious bacterial infections requiring them to undergo surgeries.”

“Disturbing stories like this tell us that there is an unsafe climate for patients looking to enhance their appearance with non-invasive procedures in the current economy. We are responding to a growing need for physicians to be properly trained to respond to adverse events,” explained Coalition Chair and plastic surgeon, John E. Gross, MD of Pasadena, CA.

Like many experienced physicians, Coalition leader Dr. Roger A. Dailey, an Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon in Portland, OR, has treated patients who have had injections elsewhere. “Even if we’ve never encountered the complication in our own practice, we have to be ready to diagnose it and ensure the best possible treatment for patients.”

Dr. Jonathan M. Sykes, President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reminds patients that any cosmetic procedure comes with risks. “Many of these products work very well for people, but they should be used appropriately by qualified injectors who understand the intricacies of injectables and how to combat complications that may arise,” he adds.

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The increased popularity of cosmetic injectable fillers has also resulted in a rise in illegal injections with dangerous substances by unlicensed or unqualified injectors, cautions the Physician’s Coalition for Injectable Safety (PCIS). This announcement was made in response to a report published online by the newjerseynewsroom.com (11/23/10) announcing that an Essex County, New Jersey Grand Jury returned a three-count indictment (#10-11-2686-I) charging Anivia Cruz-Dilworth, 28, of New Brunswick with practicing medicine without a license.

According to the report, “In March, six women showed up in the emergency rooms of Essex County area hospitals complaining of problems after having received buttocks-enhancement injections. An investigation revealed Cruz-Dilworth had [allegedly] injected women with what she described as hydrogel. Several of the women sustained serious bacterial infections requiring them to undergo surgeries.”

“Disturbing stories like this tell us that there is an unsafe climate for patients looking to enhance their appearance with non-invasive procedures in the current economy. We are responding to a growing need for physicians to be properly trained to respond to adverse events,” explained Coalition Chair and plastic surgeon, John E. Gross, MD of Pasadena, CA.

Like many experienced physicians, Coalition leader Dr. Roger A. Dailey, an Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon in Portland, OR, has treated patients who have had injections elsewhere. “Even if we’ve never encountered the complication in our own practice, we have to be ready to diagnose it and ensure the best possible treatment for patients.”

Dr. Jonathan M. Sykes, President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reminds patients that any cosmetic procedure comes with risks. “Many of these products work very well for people, but they should be used appropriately by qualified injectors who understand the intricacies of injectables and how to combat complications that may arise,” he adds.

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