The beauty world was buzzing last week after News24 broke a story about a young woman who was left with terribly botched and injured lips after getting lip filler.
The news outlet reports that the injector who performed the treatment is a local influencer and self-proclaimed “doctor”. The patient knew that something was wrong post-treatment when her lips started bruising and swelling badly, progressively getting worse as the day went on.
She visited a doctor, only to learn that the blood flow to her lips was completely cut off, and her case was treated as a medical emergency at a local hospital. Unfortunately, this woman’s case is not unique.
The local industry is rife with illegal injectors and illegal injectables. In South Africa, only medical doctors and dentists are allowed to inject fillers and neurotoxins. This is because only a medical practitioner knows the vascular system well enough to know where and how to inject correctly and safely.
What can go wrong?
Injecting the face with filler or a neurotoxin is not only a medical procedure that a medical practitioner should perform, but it is also an art to be mastered. If your injector is not a registered medical doctor or dentist, or if they use a black market product, a lot can go wrong.
Injectors who do not understand the vascular system may inject into the wrong area or inject too deeply. They might use too much product or a product that does not comply with local standards. This may lead to lifelong scarring.
Another risk is that of migrating filler. This is when filler shifts from its intended spot to surrounding tissues, causing bumps, swelling or a “spilled” look.
Filler can be reversed, but again, this would need to be done by a medical professional experienced in this field. Neurotoxins (like Botox) can unfortunately not be reversed, so if you have a botched treatment area, you will need to live with it for a few months before the effects naturally taper off.
How to choose your injector and injectable wisely
In South Africa, medical practitioners must be registered with the HPCSA (Health Professionals Council of South Africa). If they are not registered, they cannot legally purchase injectables. Unregistered injectors would thus have to order their injectables from the black market.
The biggest problem with black market products is that we don’t know what’s in them. There is no recourse if something goes wrong, and no guarantee that the product is safe.
When selecting an injector, it is important to ensure they are a medical doctor registered with the HPCSA. If you are uncertain, Google them or search their name on the HPCSA website.
Most patients don’t ask their doctor about the actual product that they inject. You should always ask which brand they are going to use. There are only three SAHPRA-registered neurotoxins in South Africa: Botox®, Dysport® and Xeomin®. If your doctor is not using one of these, this is a major red flag.
The same goes for filler. Find out which brands are registered with SAHPRA (some of the most well-known and trusted brands include Juvéderm®, Restylane® and Teoxane®), and ask your doctor to show you which brand they will be using.
If you are thinking of visiting a new clinic, do some research online beforehand. Read as many reviews as you can find, and if anything seems untoward, trust your instincts and stay away.
Red flags to look out for
There are many aesthetic clinics in South Africa, and even more injectors. If you’re not certain about their qualifications, the quality of their work or their legitimacy, it’s best to avoid them. Look out for these red flags:
Very cheap, “too good to be true” pricing
Filler and neurotoxin injections are not cheap. Find out what the average cost is by enquiring at a few reputable clinics in your area. If a clinic advertises special prices or promotions that seem too good to be true, it is a major red flag.
Non-sterile settings
If the procedure is going to take place in a non-sterile setting, such as someone’s home or a spa (i.e., a non-medical environment), it should be avoided.
Watch out for rushed consultations
If your injector is rushing through your consultation, doesn’t take the time to review your medical history or is pushing you to over-treat an area, they are likely not professional and should not be trusted.
Any title other than “doctor”
Your injector has to be a registered medical doctor. If their title is anything else, like therapist, somatologist or nurse, this is not good enough.
Lack of transparency
A responsible, professional doctor will be willing to share their credentials, product information and any other info you want before agreeing to a procedure. If your injector shows any hesitation to share details about themselves or the products they use, avoid them at all costs.
What to do if you’ve experienced a botched procedure
Prevention is better than cure. However, if you have experienced a botched procedure, the most important thing to do is to act quickly. Do not go back to the injector in an attempt to “fix” the problem. If they were unable to perform the procedure correctly, they are unlikely to be able to assist you in recovery.
Seek immediate medical attention from your family GP, or go to your nearest hospital’s emergency room for treatment. Document everything and gather evidence for your records. This includes taking photos of the injury, noting dates/times, etc., and keeping a diary of your symptoms.
If your injector is a registered doctor, you may lodge a formal complaint for unprofessional conduct via the HPCSA online portal. If a so-called “bogus” practitioner performed your procedure, you can report them to the SAPS, as practising without qualifications is a criminal offence. Depending on the situation, you might be able to claim compensation from the individual, but that should be discussed with an attorney.
Remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Do your research and be vigilant. If something seems off or you’re uncertain, the answer is no.
For more skincare information, visit www.biomedicalemporium.com
Media contact:
Anien Botha anien@beautysouthafrica.com
