Washington woman caught injecting Botox without a license
February 27, 2013

A recent case out of Kennewick, Washington, should stand as a reminder to all people considering Botox injections that patient safety must be the top priority. A woman in the area was recently caught injecting individuals with Botox despite the fact that she did not have proper training or licensure to do so, reports KEPR-TV.
On at least four occasions, Colleen Patridge-Staudinger of Benton County injected patients with the toxin for cosmetic purposes, and has since been issued a cease-and-desist order from the state's Department of Health. While it's always a good thing when individuals like Patridge-Staudinger are forced to stop their practice, the number of people practicing back-alley cosmetic procedures is still alarmingly high.
A board-certified physician in the area told the news service that patients should be wary of anyone who casually talks about performing Botox, particularly if the patient hasn't received a formal consultation. Injections of the cosmetic medicine can have disastrous results if not performed properly by a certified doctor.
"If someone doesn't know how to inject, you can get ptosis, where the eyebrow comes down, uneven lids," he explained. He added that board-certified individuals learn how to inject Botox as part of their training.
There have also been cases of people trying to sell Botox knockoffs, and the physician said his office has been contacted by such individuals. However, board-certified plastic surgeons know to turn down any medicine that isn't FDA-approved, which is why it's essential for patients to inquire about their physician's medical experience, training and certification.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery urges patients to never sacrifice quality or safety for cost. The group also has a find-a-surgeon function on its website that allows individuals to locate a certified doctor in their area.
The mission of the Aesthetic Society includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Aesthetic Society, but are merely published as an educational service to our members and the general public. For additional information on these subjects and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org
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The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, is recognized as the world's leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body. The Aesthetic Society is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; Active Members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic procedures. International Active Members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.
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