Health - Cosmetic injections experts

Introduction

Cosmetic injections are procedures designed to restore a more youthful appearance by attempting to reduce wrinkles, plump up sagging skin and enhance lips to be fuller. They are widely performed at cosmetic clinics without the need for surgery, general anaesthesia and long recovery times. The prices are affordable across the socio-demographic spectrum, starting in the low hundreds, and often the positive results are visible immediately after the treatment.

A few decades ago, the main customers might have been wealthy elderly women, particularly those working in the entertainment industry, while today these clinics are frequented by young, old, rich, poor, male and female, regardless of their occupation. The motivation might be as simple as restoring confidence or a birthday treat. However, as few of these procedures last longer than a year, repeated visits will be necessary to maintain the effects.

There are two main forms of cosmetic injections, each with dozens of variants and brand names:

• Dermal fillers - these can be comprised of hyaluronic acid, collagen, fat or synthetic substances with varying longevity between 6 and 18 months. Dermal fillers can be used to target cheeks and lips, plumping them up.
• Anti-wrinkle injections - primarily uses the botulinum toxin (e.g. botox) that relaxes muscles. This is particularly effective around the eyes and forehead, and the effects can last for several months.

At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.

Expertise in Action

There are risks involved with all cosmetic procedures, where patients and even staff can be harmed. Accidents can occur due to:

• Inadequate staff training, experience or supervision in the use of specialised equipment, application of drugs and fillers or assessing the suitability of patients. Supervision of injections by a qualified and experienced doctor should be sought after by patients rather than having procedures done by unsupervised people without medical qualifications.
• The mis-matching of patient to procedure. Many procedures are only suitable for certain people or need to be tailored to the patient. Only certain fillers will be suitable for specific areas.
• The use of malfunctioning technology, outdated methods or substances since deemed by the health community to offer unsatisfactory results.
• Unusual allergic or other unexpected extreme reactions to cosmetic procedures in some patients.

Cosmetic injections have specific risks, primarily allergic reactions, infection, burning pain, numbness and the formation of tiny bumps under the skin. These lumps may even be permanent. The skin may also become slightly blue. In rare cases, skin cells may die if the wrinkle fillers are applied incorrectly. There have even been a few cases of blindness and local paralysis if the needle intercepted a nerve. Typically, wrinkle fillers that last the longest are the ones more likely to cause greater side effects.

Experts in the field of cosmetic injections can give opinion on:

• Whether the standard of care provided was reasonably competent, particularly about issues of medical negligence, malpractice and whether suitable substances were used.
• Whether a patient was adequately warned about possible side effects and whether an individual’s side effects are more severe than one can reasonably expect in the industry.
• Whether patients were over-promised about the effectiveness or longevity of the wrinkle removal and filling process.

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

• The need for a view or inspection of a location
• The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
• Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
• Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype

Relevant Articles Anti-wrinkle injections, botox and fillers

Botox, cosmetic fillers and other injectables are increasingly popular for treating wrinkles and expression lines, with some people even having so-called "preventative" injections.

Four Corners - Beauty's New Normal (video and transcript)

From dermal fillers and botox, to butt lifts and breast implants, women are undergoing treatments that could change their lives forever, and not in the ways they were expecting. Reporter Louise Milligan has uncovered cases of women left disfigured and in pain, struggling to find the money to afford corrective surgery to give them back their dignity.

Relevant Cases HCCC V Piper [2014] NSWCATOD 62

A nurse was involved in the supply and injection of S4 drugs (including botox, collagen and hyaluronic acid) in breach of the PTGA protocols that limit the control, storage and dispensing of these drugs to doctors and pharmacists.

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