Latest news with #cosmeticmedicine
News.com.au
14-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Hidden, scary problem': Counterfeit botox, fillers easy to order into Australia
A leading injectable cosmetics figure is seeing a 'scary' number of unlicensed operators pushing dangerous procedures. In 2023, Australia's legitimate injectable cosmetics industry was worth $4.1bn. Meanwhile, authorities receive about 100 complaints each year concerning non-surgical cosmetic procedures, levelled at medical practitioners, nurses, midwives, dentists, psychologists and Chinese medicine practitioners. Dr Vivek Eranki, a cosmetic medicine practitioner with national oversight, is raising the alarm after authorities seized two counterfeit batches of botulinum toxin – or botox – in recent months. 'This is more of a hidden problem, in that it is very easy for practitioners to pass it off as they are using a real product – but not documenting exactly what's been used,' Dr Eranki told NewsWire. Dr Eranki describes the black market injectors as very discreet and crafty about what they are saying is being injected. 'People can put in false information if they are trying to cover their tracks and this is what makes it so scary,' Dr Eranki said. 'We know there are fake products coming in and it is very easy to hide it.' This week, the national medicine regulator revealed two separate batches of counterfeit botox had been seized at the border in recent months. The vials were packaged to look like a genuine brand, but typos alerted authorities. The Therapeutic Goods Administration stressed the botox was purchased from an overseas website, and the duped manufacturer confirmed the batch numbers were illegitimate. Because they are investigating further, the TGA is unwilling to say where and when the boxes were seized, nor what type of establishment had ordered them. In a statement, a spokeswoman from the Australian Medical Association said people should use only qualified health practitioners, 'The AMA reminds Australians that all medical procedures, including cosmetic injections, carry risk and should only be performed by suitably qualified health practitioners,' the spokeswoman said. 'Anyone planning a procedure should ensure they understand the skills and qualifications of the person undertaking the procedure.' Dr Eranki said common sense was the key to avoiding shady injectors. 'Never go to somebody's house, never go to a hair salon to get your treatment done. Make sure that whoever's doing your treatment is adequately trained and qualified.' 'At the end of the day the governmental infrastructure, the regulators, the authorities can only do so much. At some point, common sense needs to take over. And I think that's where the solution lies.' In January, three Sydney women ended up in hospital with botulism infections, with one requiring treatment in the intensive care unit. The Health Care Complaints Commission issued a temporary, and then permanent, prohibition order against unregistered injector Norsafiza Binti Zakaria, who advertised her services using at least six different aliases. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has conducted multiple raids on commercial and private residences across the country in recent months, seizing illegal injectables from unqualified practitioners. AHPRA received 360 complaints about non-surgical cosmetic procedures between September 2022 and March 2025. These notifications were made against medical practitioners, nurses, midwives, dentists, psychologists and Chinese medicine practitioners. ''If something doesn't feel right then patients should trust their gut and hit pause,' a spokesperson said. 'Patients should ensure that their injector is a registered health practitioner by asking for their registration number and looking them up on the national register of practitioners.'
Associated Press
07-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Dr. Michael H. Gold Inducted into The International Order of Fantastic Professionals
'Dr. Michael Gold's depth of expertise and extraordinary commitment to global education and innovation are unparalleled.'— Dr. Allen Lycka EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA, June 7, 2025 / / -- The International Order of Fantastic Professionals is proud to announce that Dr. Michael H. Gold, a board-certified dermatologist, internationally recognized researcher, and founder of multiple leading dermatologic institutions, has been officially inducted into the IOFP and awarded the Global Leader in Dermatologic Advancement 2025. IOFP celebrates Dr. Gold's distinguished career, spanning over three decades. His groundbreaking contributions to dermatologic science, cosmetic medicine, and global education have elevated the field of aesthetic dermatology worldwide. Since founding Gold Skin Care Center and its affiliated organizations in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1990, Dr. Gold has overseen the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies and procedures in dermatologic and aesthetic medicine. Through the Tennessee Clinical Research Center, he has led pivotal FDA Phase II-IV trials, directly influencing the future of dermatologic treatments and product innovation. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Gold is a committed educator and author, having written over 500 scientific articles, contributed to 40 textbook chapters, and served as editor-in-chief for multiple international dermatology journals. He is also the co-founder of SCALE, DASIL, and the 5-Continent Congress conferences, which have become pillars in the global dermatology and aesthetics communities. ' Dr. Michael Gold's depth of expertise and extraordinary commitment to global education and innovation are unparalleled,' said Dr. Allen Lycka, founder and CEO of the International Order of Fantastic Professionals. 'We look forward to watching the continued change his leadership inspires in others around the world.' About the International Order of Fantastic Professionals (IOFP): The International Order of Fantastic Professionals (IOFP) is a prestigious global community of forward-thinking leaders committed to innovation, collaboration, and making a meaningful difference. Representing a diverse range of industries, IOFP members are recognized for their excellence and for delivering innovative solutions to today's most pressing challenges. Learn more at For media inquiries and more information on IOFP initiatives, contact: Tami McCalla, Director of Operations Email: [email protected] Dr. Allen Lycka Dr. Allen Lycka Prof Corp email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
