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Health officials investigate bogus cosmetic injections

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, February 24, 2005

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An investigation is underway in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia following the report of serious skin reactions in at least 16 women that may have been caused by cosmetic injections from a man claiming to be a doctor.

The reactions include "numerous signs and symptoms at the injection sites, including pain, redness, swelling, blisters and abscesses," according to a press release from the Virginia Department of Health. Some of the women, who range from teenagers to senior citizens, have reported increased skin sensitivity and itching. Most of the women said the reaction occurred about 6-10 weeks after the injection.

"We don't know the scope of the problem at this point," said Suzanne Jenkins, VMD, MPH, acting State Epidemiologist for the Virginia Department of Health. "But we are hoping to hear from people who have had these types of treatments in non-healthcare settings."

Health officials said that the man performing the injections claimed he was a doctor from Columbia, but he is not licensed in Maryland, the District of Columbia, or Northern Virginia. The injections were performed in private homes, and it is not yet known what substance was injected.

Anyone who has received an injection from an unlicensed medical provider outside a clinic or a hospital should contact the Virginia Department of Health Regional Office at (703) 934-0627.

To visit the Virginia Department of Health's Web site, click here.

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