What began as a routine cosmetic procedure for Christina Gherman, 38, to address her double chin turned into a devastating ordeal. Gherman, eager for a non-surgical solution, opted for an injectable treatment designed to dissolve fat. However, under the care of an unqualified practitioner, the procedure left her with severe complications, including open wounds, scarring, and loss of lip function.
A Simple Fix Gone Wrong
Gherman entrusted her treatment to a self-proclaimed expert who administered an injectable for reducing submental fat, commonly referred to as a double chin. Instead of the desired results, the procedure caused extensive damage, leaving Gherman physically and emotionally scarred.
She sought help from multiple surgeons, only to be turned away due to the complexity of her condition. After persistent efforts, she found Dr. Patrick Davis, a Beverly Hills-based facial reconstructive surgeon, who took on her case.
The Painstaking Road to Recovery
Dr. Davis performed intricate procedures to remove damaged tissue and resurface affected areas on Gherman’s face and neck. Recovery required 10 months of intensive healing, but ultimately, she regained her confidence and felt comfortable appearing in public again.
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A Cautionary Tale
Now fully recovered, Gherman is sharing her story to warn others about the risks of cosmetic treatments performed by unqualified practitioners. She emphasizes the importance of thorough research, including checking references, reviews, and credentials, to ensure the safety and expertise of the provider.
Expert Advice on Choosing a Cosmetic Practitioner
FOX 11 spoke with Dr. Davis about the critical factors to consider when selecting a provider for injectable treatments like Botox, Kybella, and dermal fillers.
Why is research so important?
Dr. Davis stresses the importance of researching any cosmetic provider. “There are practitioners, some claiming to have official certification, who are unqualified or inexperienced,” he said. “A portion of my work involves correcting poor outcomes from such providers.”
Patients should verify that the provider is licensed, board-certified, and has positive online reviews. Checking their record with the state medical board and requesting patient references are also recommended steps.
What qualifications should a provider have?
While qualifications vary by state, injectables should only be administered by licensed medical professionals such as physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, or nurse practitioners. However, Dr. Davis advises caution even with licensed professionals, emphasizing the importance of specific training and experience in aesthetic medicine.
What are the risks of untrained practitioners?
Improperly administered injectables can lead to severe complications, including allergic reactions, infections, muscle paralysis, and tissue damage. “In one case, a patient was left with open wounds, facial scarring, and impaired lip function after receiving Kybella from an unlicensed provider,” Dr. Davis recounted.
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Can complications be corrected?
While many complications can be addressed, correction often involves complex, costly, and potentially dangerous procedures. “Specialized surgeons, such as facial plastic surgeons, are best equipped to handle these cases,” Dr. Davis explained. However, some issues, like prolonged Botox misuse, can result in permanent damage.
Lessons Learned
Christina Gherman’s ordeal highlights the critical importance of choosing a qualified practitioner for any cosmetic procedure. Her journey serves as a reminder to prioritize safety and expertise over convenience or cost when considering cosmetic enhancements.
For those interested in injectables, Gherman and Dr. Davis urge individuals to thoroughly vet providers, ensuring they are both licensed and experienced to avoid potentially life-altering consequences.
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