UPDATE: A 35-year-old woman from Sugar Land, Texas, has been charged with practicing medicine without a license after allegedly injecting a patient with counterfeit fillers. Iris Vanessa Garcia faces serious allegations following a botched procedure on September 26, 2023, that resulted in significant medical complications for the victim.
The victim, seeking cosmetic enhancements, contacted Garcia via her Instagram account, “One_Aesthetics.htx,” for Botox and dermal filler treatments. The procedure took place at Garcia’s business, One Aesthetics Houston, located at 1500 South Dairy Ashford Road in west Houston. Garcia falsely claimed to be certified to administer these procedures and assured the patient that she would use genuine Juvederm, a widely recognized wrinkle filler.
After paying over $1,000 for the treatment, the victim experienced alarming complications. Reports indicate she returned for a follow-up appointment more than a week later, expressing concern over “chunks” she felt along her jawline. Garcia attempted to rectify the situation by injecting the patient with what she described as a dissolving agent. However, the situation worsened. A week later, the patient reported a drooping right eyelid and a sensation of paralysis in her forehead.
In a desperate bid for relief, the victim returned to Garcia, who administered additional injections. Just three days later, the woman’s condition deteriorated; her right eye barely opened, and she experienced excruciating pain, prompting a visit to the Memorial Heights Emergency Center. Medical staff diagnosed her with facial nerve palsy, a serious condition that could have lasting effects.
On October 23, 2023, during a final visit, the victim requested to see Garcia’s credentials, but Garcia refused to provide proof of her qualifications. An investigation by the Houston Police Department Major Offenders Division confirmed that Garcia was unlicensed and unqualified to perform any cosmetic procedures.
Authorities confirmed that Garcia was formally charged on December 1, 2023, as the case sheds light on the dangers of unregulated cosmetic procedures and the potential hazards posed by counterfeit products.
This developing story raises urgent questions about public safety in the cosmetic industry and the need for strict regulatory measures. As more details emerge, both authorities and the community remain on high alert.
Stay tuned for further updates on this alarming case, which underscores the critical importance of ensuring that cosmetic procedures are conducted by qualified professionals.
