The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services is investigating six cases of women who suffered infections and other complications after undergoing cosmetic injections, apparently administered by unlicensed medical providers.

 

          The women developed symptoms after receiving the injections for buttocks enhancement, and were hospitalized for surgical and antibiotic treatment. The women are from the Essex County area, and were treated in Essex County hospitals.

 

          DHSS is investigating, in conjunction with local health officials and the State Board of Medical Examiners (BME), in the Division of Consumer Affairs, to determine if the cases are related and who the unlicensed medical provider or providers may be.  The Division of Consumer Affairs protects the public’s health and safety by determining qualifications of applicants for licensure, establishing standards for practice, and disciplining licensees who do not adhere to those requirements.

 

“Fortunately, these women are being treated and are recovering,’’ said Dr. Tina Tan, state epidemiologist. “But there is the potential for more serious complications if these infections are not treated early and properly.

 

“If people are interested in getting cosmetic injections or other cosmetic procedures, we recommend they seek the advice of their physician to find out how to get these procedures done safety,” she added. “But if you have already received a procedure from an unlicensed provider and suspect you might have an infection or are ill, inform your health care provider.”

 

DHSS began receiving reports of the infections in mid-February, and issued an alert through its electronic communications network, notifying hospitals, physicians and the statewide health care community about these cases, the potential for further cases and the need to report cases to local and state public health authorities.