Comments for Northern Virginia Mini Cheek Lift | Mini Cheek Lift - Blog

Comment on Hydrelle Support for Hydrelle Complications by sheila miller

sheila miller — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:05:47 +0000

If you are someone who had a problem with hydrelle please contact me. I am thinking of starting a class action lawsuit due to the problems that have occured as a result of this product.

415 336-5139

Comment on Hydrelle Support for Hydrelle Complications by s.lynn

s.lynn — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:55:41 +0000

As I was scarred from the Hydrelle and drainage of the Hydrelle, I have undergone laser treatments (a series of five) I am happy to report it has helped a great deal. Just wanted to let you all know as some of you have had the same issue. I have such empathy will you all and the anxiety this has created in our lives.

S. Lynn

Comment on Hydrelle Support for Hydrelle Complications by AttorneyOne.com

AttorneyOne.com — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:53:58 +0000

For those of you that have been injured by Hydrelle lawsuits are being filed on a case by case basis.

The evaluation is free. Just fill out the Free Case Evaluation form here:

http://www.attorneyone.com/Hydrelle-Lawsuits/Lawyer-Attorney.cfm

Comment on Warning about Hydrelle by AttorneyOne.com

AttorneyOne.com — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:52:59 +0000

For those of you that have been injured by Hydrelle lawsuits are being filed on a case by case basis.

The evaluation is free. Just fill out the Free Case Evaluation form here:

http://www.attorneyone.com/Hydrelle-Lawsuits/Lawyer-Attorney.cfm

Comment on Warning about Hydrelle by k.l.

k.l. — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:29:08 +0000

Hi! I too have developed a large rubbery mass in my upper-lip (left side) after being injected with Hydrelle. I had never even heard of this product until I saw it on my bill. For many of us, we will not get the opportunity to research Hydrelle before it is injected. I was injected on June 21st and started to notice the mass just a few days ago. I immediately went back to the dr. who injected me and am now on a course of oral steroids. My lip is large, distorted, and sore. I am hoping that the steroids work. From the sound of it, this is going to take a very long time to resolve. Please DO NOT allow yourself to be injected with this product, there are many other safe ones out there.

Comment on Hydrelle Support for Hydrelle Complications by Deborah

Deborah — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:20:59 +0000

I am an RN who works in a medical spa. I had Hydrelle injected into my nasal labial folds and bilateral corners of my upper and lower lips. (Above the vermillion border, not into, nor into my lips.)

This was injected around May 15th. Approx 2 weeks ago in Mid July, two months later, I developed a small area of edema accompanied by pain and heat at the site above my left lip. I had been stung by a wasp the day before and consulted with a doctor who thought I was having a possible systemic reaction or infection from the wasp venom. I was given Antibiotics (Augmentin) and steroids (Medrol dose pack). I had decreased swelling for approx. one day, then over the next 2 days the area began to increase in size and nodules started appearing on the right side as well. I was leaving for vacation out of the country for 5 days, so I brought along Aloe Vera w/Lidocaine gel, Arnica, Hydrocortisone 1% and Calamine Lotion, along with the medications I was still taking, thinking I would have a variety of remedies available and surely the medications would help.

I saw no improvement, in fact the areas began to expand in size and depth. More nodules began to arise, not just on top but on the bottom as well and began to multiply and migrate into my lips. I started to see white areas develop about the size of a pinhead on the nodules, like a whitehead and a small amouint of bruising was even present on the left side of my mouth. I could only sleep for about 4-5 hours a night because of the pain and inflammation. I had no relief with any of the “remedies” I brought and saw no improvement in the condition. It just seemed to be getting worse.

I ended my Medrol dose pack while out of the country and was still taking the augmentin. My lips felt like they were going to explode. I ended up going to a pharmacy in Honduras and was given Prednisone and Allegra. No relief from that either. I now have about 3 nodules on the right and 3 on the left of each side of my mouth/upper lip area and they appear to be forming one big mass. On the bottom I have one nodule on each side and am experiencing much pain and anxiety over this issue.

I returned home last night and one of the first things I asked about was if I had received a call related to my questions about Hydrelle. I know that due to the Sulfites in Hydrelle, I thought maybe I was having a delayed reaction to the product and/or sulfites, despite the fact I have no sulfite allery or any other allergies. I have used and injected almost every product on the market over the last 5 years and have never had any complications using them or injecting them and have been in this business 5 years. No one had returned my call.

I had originally called Coapt before my trip and was told to contact the manufacturer, that there was no longer any Rep avilable, that “she was no longer with the company.” Coapt then told us today when we called that we had a “new rep” and was given a number to contact him. He did return the call but said there is no longer any “reps” for the company but we could still order product from the manufacturer. I then asked him if he knew of any possible delayed reactions to the product or sulfites and that I was in pain and looked like a freak. He told me there was no longer any reps for the company and that “all ties to Coapt had been cut” but I could e-mail Anika at Hydrelle@Anikatherapeutics.com or call Anika at 781-457-9000.

I reported this information to my director of the med spa for clarification as there seemed to be some confusion about our rep situation. He googled Hydrelle… Well, look what we found!! The product was taken off the shelf immediately.

I was able to reach our “old rep” and although she also is no longer affiliated with the company, has offered her help and has also offered help in contacting Dr. Naderi. I am planning to use what you all have done to get this, yes, POISON out of my body! I have read each one of your comments and no longer question what this mysterious issue is I am dealing with…it’s the product!!!

I have empathy for all of you as I know what you have gone through. I am going through it now… I will go step by step to rid the product from my body & resolve this medical mystery. Please keep the information coming… the more we know, the better we can treat. Thank-You.

Comment on Hydrelle Support for Hydrelle Complications by Kristi

Kristi — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:00:09 +0000

Dr. Naderi, I have had complications from Hydrelle. Injected in the nasolabial folds I had immediate swelling the next day, ice took care of that, then a couple of weeks later developed lumps at the injection sites. Went to see an MD who also does these injections and thought the product “migrated” up next to my nose-not where it was originally injected. Put on Medrol pack, selling went down. As soon I as I was off the steriods the lumps reappeared. Went to see a Plastic surgeon who injects fillers, Not Hydrelle. We discussed treatment and decided on steriod injections. As the needle was inserted into the one of the lumps, pus oozed out. She said it’s probably infected, cultures were sent two times now, both came back negative for infection, was on Keflex also for two rounds. The PS has determined these are “sterile abcess’”. I now have 5 sm. scars on my face from drainage of the abcess’. The right side seems as it has settled down after a silver product used for wound healing was placed inside one of the abcess’. The PS tried to use that as a drain but I believe the material was too thin and it closed around the silver an blew up the whole right side of my face. Next day, took it out myself per MD. Some purulent drainage also oozed out after the silver was removed but then the swelling also subsided.
Now one week later the left side of my face I had one sm. lump the size of a pea, PS decided to leave it alone and see what happens. Three days later that lumps has grown to about 1 inch by 1/2 inch and skin is redenned on the lump ?cellulitis. Have to push up my next appointment and that area will also have to be drained. I have been out of work a month now with these complications as I am an RN who works with many people on precautions for MRSA and cannot risk that getting into any open areas.
If there is any class action law suit being filed I will definetly be on that list. This product needs to be taken off the market. I will update this blog on my progress. What a Nightmare!!!

Comment on Warning about Hydrelle by Stanley Buky

Stanley Buky — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:38:29 +0000

I am a personal injury attorney who is investigating a claim for injuries on behalf of a client who had a severe adverse reaction to Hydrelle. She had used other dermal fillers in the past and never had any problems. I am curious whether anyone has made a claim against the manufacturer and/or distributor of Hydrelle and what have been the results. If anyone has hired an attorney, I would be very interested in speaking with them and sharing information.

Comment on Hydrelle Support for Hydrelle Complications by Ann

Ann — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:33:11 +0000

Dr Naderi,
I am a midlevel practitioner out of Texas and would like to share my experience with Hydrelle with you. Out of 6 patients we have utilized this product on, two have reported problems within 2-4 weeks after its use. In specific these compications have resulted in product migration, local “puffiness” and inflammation that continues to be bothersome and overt hard lumping of the product regardless of techniques successfully used with other fillers successfully such as application of heat and massage. I am really very concerned and disappointed about this issue as the representative that sold our facility the product has already dropped the product and no longer represents the product therefore we are on our own to attempt to return the product (30+ syringes). We are currently sending it back with a letter which sites our concerns and would appreciate the support of others in this endeavor. I recently attended an aesthetics seminar and was informed by several of the physicians present that Hydrelle is causing granulomas, abscesses and is the most risky filler for a clinician to utilize both for the patient’s safety and the practice’s reputation.
The sales receipt states all sales are final however how can they enforce this if our patients are experiencing complications and the product does not safely achieve the effects it was marketed for at the time of purchase as it has continued to claim. I have not experienced or heard of comparable complications with other fillers and feel like this company must be stopped and must be forced to return this dangerous product that they are continuing to sell without consequence.
Is there any way you would allow me to submit the testimonials on your website as further evidence of the hazards of this product that others are experiencing?
Many thanks for your time and thoughts on this urgent manner.
Respectfuly Yours,
Ann

Comment on Methods to achieve malar (cheek) fullness: by Rhinoplasty London

Rhinoplasty London — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:01:46 +0000

Yes, I agree.

Comment on Hydrelle Support for Hydrelle Complications by drnaderi

drnaderi — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:36:15 +0000

It may cause the same problems but as far as I know its not a hyaluronic acid and not like Hydrelle.

Comment on Methods to achieve malar (cheek) fullness: by facials

facials — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:16:49 +0000

Restylane and Botox treatments will definitely help with making your cheeks appear to be more full. They are great with filling in facial lines and wrinkles too.

Comment on Hydrelle Support for Hydrelle Complications by Sherry

Sherry — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 07:35:11 +0000

drnaderi
You said: “I actually believe Coapt Gel is similar to Radiesse and although it was supplied by Coapt, it is not a Hyaluronic Acid like Hydrelle. I never used Coapt Gel though so I am not 100% certain and there is very little information out there on the substance”.

That confused me – are you saying Coapt Gel is not a Hyaluronic Acid compound, that it is not like Hydrelle? I am confused with your comment. It seems to have the exact same properties and causes the same injuries as Hydrelle. Boils, hard lumps, etc etc… 19 months and still here.

Comment on Hydrelle Support for Hydrelle Complications by Agnes

Agnes — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:37:05 +0000

I had Hydrelle injected on May 26 and on Jun 12 noticed red bumps forming at the injection site. Within a few days, large, hard, painful granulomas developed in six places on my face. Lovely. I previously had Juvederm, with no side effects. I am being treated with steroid creams and antibiotics, and hyaluronidase, none of which have made any difference. The granulomas seem to subside one day, then come back even larger the next. I have left messages at Coapt asking for a response, and no one has tried to contact me back. As far as I am concerned, Hydrelle is poison.

Comment on Hydrelle Support for Hydrelle Complications by drnaderi

drnaderi — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:42:47 +0000

I actually believe Coapt Gel is similar to Radiesse and although it was supplied by Coapt, it is not a Hyaluronic Acid like Hydrelle. I never used Coapt Gel though so I am not 100% certain and there is very little information out there on the substance.

Comment on Hydrelle Support for Hydrelle Complications by Sherry

Sherry — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:54:16 +0000

I too have suffered with injury to the left side of my face from a product called Coapt Gel, but from what I can tell, it is the same composition as Hydrelle. I have sort of “waited out” the injury at first, thinking it might go away like a lot of fillers do…(just doing things like laser for all the broken capilaries around the area, steroid shots, antibiotics, and recently (last week) got a large boil in that area – I kept thinking it would wear off with time. After 19 months, I see it is here to stay unless some of the suggestions above will be helpful.

I feel for all of you – it doesn’t seem like anyone really has the answer. I mean, maybe our big, unsightly lumps could be plastic surgically removed… I wish someone had the answers. If they can do beautiful work on a person’s face via a facelift, why can’t they simply removed the infected area of our face???

It has been a nightmare for all of us. I am glad to find a website that we can all get a little comfort from.

Please write me if you’re so inclined. slane111@charter.net

Sherry Lane

Comment on Warning about Hydrelle by Jane

Jane — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:55:16 +0000

I too ended up with bilateral abscesses from Elevess. Anika is shameful and deserves a class action law suit. Why would you change the name of a known and successful product? The company knows it has problems and acts with no integrity. It has been seven months and I am guessing that this stuff lasts for a year, I have indentations where the product drained out, a little scaring and granulomas. The first month post Elevess produced strange swelling and burning from the injection site (Nasolabial folds) to my eye sockets. The second month was worse – each day a new and frightening swelling or growth. Nothing works, I tried everything… steroids, antibiotics, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory. Until the abscesses drain there is nothing to be done but hide. It took three months before my face was relatively normal.
I called Anika six times over two days, I didn’t want to sue them or even yell at them I just needed advice on what to do next. They told me they would call back and never did – six times.

Comment on IMPORTANT: New Laws & Regulations Regarding Prescribing Retin-A, Hydroquinone and Latisse by Physicians in Virginia. This may affect OBAGI, SkinMedica,NeoCutis and IMAGE skin care lines. by drnaderi

drnaderi — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:49:23 +0000

Below are the final answers from the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. I got these results after several weeks of investigatio. None of the company reps or officials have yet to respond to physician’s concerns and none have made any effort to get answers from the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Here are the official responses in reverse order of email exchanges. You can start reading from the bottom towards the top in order to gain a full understanding of the email and information exchanges between the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and myself regarding physicians rights to sell Obagi, NeoCutis, SkinMedica and IMAGE products containing Retin-A or Hydroquinone. The answer in brief is that “yes its fine.” However, Latisse, the eyelash enhancer can no longer be sold by any physician or spa unless they have a pharmacy license and the vast vast majority of doctors and spas have no such pharmacy license so purchasing Latisse from your doctor or spa in Virginia is most likely illegal:

_______________________________________________________

1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.

Caroline D. Juran
Deputy Executive Director
Virginia Board of Pharmacy
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Richmond, Virginia 23233

(804) 367-4456
(804) 527-4472 FAX
http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/pharmacy

——————————————————————————–
From: Shervin Naderi [mailto:snaderi@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 11:41 AM
To: Board of Pharmacy; nadericenter@yahoo.com; jen; info@nadericenter.com
Subject: RE: Pharmacy license

Thank you so much for the additional clarification.

What has upset me recently is that these companies (Obagi, NeoCutis, etc…) did not tell any of their physicians about these laws and simply sold these products to make their sales and meet their quotas! Furthermore, its been impossible trying to get answers from them. So I appreciate your feedback and guidance.

I have 2 last questions:

1) From the last email you sent me below, I take it that Obagi’s and NeoCutis’ 4% Hydroquinone containing products are OK to sell without a pharmacy license since these actual brand name products are not sold in pharmacies?

2) Obagi has its own brand name Retin-A as well. While generics of Retin-A are sold in pharmacies, this Obagi brand is not. So I assume this falls under the “when pharmaceutical services are not available” as well and its OK to sell out of physician offices? (For example, one such brand is Refissa which is a moisturizing Retin-A product)

3) I assume Latisse is sold in Pharmacies?

Thank you

Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS
The Naderi Center for Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care, PLLC

297 Herndon Parkway, Suite 101
Herndon, VA 20170
P: 703-481-0002
F: 703-481-5002

5454 Wisonsin Ave, Suite 1710
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
P: 301-244-0150

http://www.VirginiaFacialPlasticSurgery.com
http://www.VirginiaRhinoplasty.com
http://www.RhinoplastySpecialistSurgeon.com

——————————————————————————–
Subject: RE: Pharmacy license
Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2010 12:28:15 -0400
From: pharmbd@dhp.virginia.gov
To: nadericenter@yahoo.com; naderispa@yahoo.com; snaderi@msn.com; info@nadericenter.com

In the past, the Board was informed that Obagi marketed a 4% hydroquinone product and that at that time this drug was not commercially available in pharmacies and only sold in dermatologists’ offices. Based on those representations, the Board advised that if it was not commercially available, they could possibly use the “when pharmaceutical services are not available” exception to having to be licensed by the Board of Pharmacy with all the accompanying regulations. This remains the Board’s stance on Obagi products. If the drug is not commercially available in a pharmacy and is only available in a physician’s office, then the physician is not required to obtain a license to dispense.

§ 54.1-2914. Sale of controlled substances and medical devices or appliances; requirements for vision care services.
A. A practitioner of the healing arts shall not engage in selling controlled substances unless he is licensed to do so by the Board of Pharmacy. However, this prohibition shall not apply to a doctor of medicine, osteopathy or podiatry who administers controlled substances to his patients or provides controlled substances to his patient in a bona fide medical emergency or when pharmaceutical services are not available. Practitioners who sell or dispense controlled substances shall be subject to inspection by the Department of Health Professions to ensure compliance with Chapters 33 (§ 54.1-3300 et seq.) and 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of this title and the Board of Pharmacy’s regulations. This subsection shall not apply to physicians acting on behalf of the Virginia Department of Health or local health departments.

Caroline D. Juran
Deputy Executive Director
Virginia Board of Pharmacy
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Richmond, Virginia 23233
(804) 367-4456
(804) 527-4472 FAX
http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/pharmacy

——————————————————————————–
From: nadericenter@yahoo.com [mailto:nadericenter@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2010 4:03 PM
To: Board of Pharmacy; nadericenter@yahoo. com; Jen Peden; Shervin Naderi; FACS Shervin Naderi
Subject: Re: Pharmacy license

Thanks for the clarification BUT no pharmacy carries the products that I am referring to such as blanche or clear by neocutis and obagi. While these products do have hydroquinone, they also have many other ingredients that no pharmacy carries. So with this additional information, are you still saying doctors need an additional license to dispense?

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

——————————————————————————–

From: “Board of Pharmacy” Date: Thu, 3 Jun 2010 09:31:10 -0400
To: Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS
Cc: Naderi Center; Naderi Center
Subject: RE: Pharmacy license

If a physician wishes to dispense any prescription drug that may otherwise be dispensed by a pharmacy, e.g., Retin-A, 4% hydroquinone, etc., then the physician must first obtain a license to sell from the Board of Pharmacy.

——————————————————————————–
From: Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS [mailto:drnaderi@virginiafacialplasticsurgery.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 11:45 AM
To: Board of Pharmacy
Cc: ‘Naderi Center’; ‘Naderi Center’
Subject: RE: Pharmacy license

Dear Ms. Russell,

Please help me clarify a few things:

To sell Latisse, we need a Pharmacy license. After reviewing all that is involved, I don’t think we will be pursuing the license simply for Latisse.

But my more significant concern are Retin-A (alone in its own package) and Hyroquinone mixed into other cosmeceutical products such as Obagi’s Clear or NeoCutis’ Blanche which are facial creams that also contain 4% Hydroquinone.

And finally what about 5% LMX topical numbing cream?

Can you address these products please? Thank you

Regards,

Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

The Naderi Center

for

Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care, PLLC

VIRGINIA:

297 Herndon Pkwy, Suite 101

Herndon, Virginia 20170

T: 703-481-0002

F: 703-481-5002

MARYLAND:

5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 1710

Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815

T: 301-244-0150

http://www.NaderiCenter.com

http://www.VirginiaRhinoplasty.com

http://www.RhinoplastySpecialistSurgeon.com

Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in this e-mail and any attachments may be legally and/or medically privileged and confidential. If you are not an intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender and permanently delete the e-mail and any attachments immediately. You should not retain, copy or use this e-mail or any attachment for any purpose, nor disclose all or any part of the contents to any other person. Thank you.

From: Board of Pharmacy [mailto:pharmbd@dhp.virginia.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 5:56 PM
To: Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS
Subject: RE: Pharmacy license

Attached is the application and regualtions related to physicians who want to dispense drugs to their own patients. Please carefully review the requirements in the regulations before you submit your an application as application fees are non-refundable, and we have had a number of physicians apply to do this, then when they realize the extent of the requirements for just dispensing a few products, they want to withdraw the application. The requirement for a separate room, separate alarm system, restricted access, and record requirements are extensive for someone who only wants to dispense a few products.

Elizabeth Scott (Scotti) Russell
Executive Director
Virginia Board of Pharmacy
9960 Mayland Dr., Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23233
(804) 367-4456
(804) 527-4472 Fax
pharmbd@dhp.virginia.gov
http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/pharmacy

——————————————————————————–

From: Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS [mailto:drnaderi@virginiafacialplasticsurgery.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 11:46 AM
To: Board of Pharmacy
Cc: ‘Naderi Center’; ‘Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS’
Subject: Pharmacy license

Hi,

I would like to find out what I need to do in order to get a pharmacy license to be able to dispense Retin-A, Hydroquinone (contained in Obagi, etc) as well as Latisse eyelash drops.

Thank you.

Comment on IMPORTANT: New Laws & Regulations Regarding Prescribing Retin-A, Hydroquinone and Latisse by Physicians in Virginia. This may affect OBAGI, SkinMedica,NeoCutis and IMAGE skin care lines. by drnaderi

drnaderi — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:07:46 +0000

I am still waiting to hear the definitive answer from the Virginia Board of Pharmacy regarding physicians selling Retin-A, Hydroquinone and other Rx cosmeceuticals from their offices.

Comment on IMPORTANT: New Laws & Regulations Regarding Prescribing Retin-A, Hydroquinone and Latisse by Physicians in Virginia. This may affect OBAGI, SkinMedica,NeoCutis and IMAGE skin care lines. by drnaderi

drnaderi — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:44:56 +0000

I have been emailing and calling the Obagi, NeoCutis, SkinMedica, Image, and Latisse reps for the last week. I have also been in close contact with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. I have also been discussing this matter with local Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists who were totally unaware of these new changes and regulations. Here is the last set of email responses from the Board of Pharmacy in Virginia in response to some of my questions: