Women Disfigured by Bogus Collagen From Fake Doctor

Feb. 29, 2008 — -- Americans spend more than $11 billion every year on cosmetic procedures like Botox, chemical peels and collagen injections. The number of procedures being performed outside of the doctor's office is growing dramatically, as more salons, spas and even parties offer cosmetic treatments.

Doctors warn that could be dangerous, as some California women found out when they received cosmetic injections at a local salon. Instead of the subtle enhancements they hoped for, these women are now permanently disfigured.

Tiffany Barton and Katrina Kalanick were both about to get remarried. Every bride wants to look her best, so $100 collagen injections offered at a Clovis, Calif., salon were tempting.

They were regulars at the salon and knew and trusted the salon owner. Barton and Kalanick also say they were told the man injecting them was a visiting doctor from San Diego.

And they said that the "doctor" seemed trustworthy -- he was well-dressed and well-spoken, they said.

"He held himself very well," Barton said. "He showed us his Web site. He was very convincing."

So they went for it -- lip plumping for Barton, and a forehead crease filler for Kalanick. But a few days later, they saw the first signs of trouble.

"I could hardly open my eyes. I was swollen from mid-cheek up past my eyes," Kalanick said.

Her wedding was just a week later, and she was still swollen. "I rushed down the aisle because I didn't want people looking."

Barton first developed bright red welts around her mouth on her wedding night.

"I should be celebrating. I have four beautiful children and a wonderful man that I just married and I live in a fairy tale, except for this," Barton said.

Barton's lips are no longer symmetrical, and Kalanick has a big bulge between her eyebrows. Their skin is discolored, and both have hard lumps that feel like rocks under their skin.

The women say they look at old pictures of themselves and wonder why they ever had the procedures.