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Sculptra Foot Lift

An example of an off-label use of Sculptra for foot comfort.

Compounding Controversy in Cosmetics

There has been controversy related to what is legal according to FDA regulations for compounding pharmacists and physicians. This has been seen in the bioidentical hormone arena lately. Many of the shaky ground issues are in regard to unsubstantiated claims and marketing drugs for non FDA-approved uses.  In the case of an improperly compounded botulinum toxin, the results were fatal. Some organizations have popped up as compounding advocates, but many may have no specific credentials or authority.

A similar issue came up with Jan Marini's eyelash product, as it was a drug marketed for a non-approved purpose. Others try to skirt this issue by marketing a product for a non FDA-approved use but have individual physicians buy directly from a compounding pharmacy. This can be a slippery slope.  How this story develops will influence how many physicians practice in the future.

Subdermal Star Implant

There is always someone who will take their appearance one step further. Subdermal implants are an example of taking things 10 steps too far, in our opinion. But who is to judge beauty?

It's similar in process to the subconjunctival implants, but under the skin. This Flickr user documented the implantation. Wired magazine reported on this in '06. Infection would be the most feared risk of this type of surgery, and embarassment at family events would be second. 

Florida "Pumping Parties": a Silicone Nightmare

An unlicensed man in Miami-Dade was charged recently with injecting silicone into women's buttocks in a hotel room.  He was arrested after agreeing to inject an undercover officer with the unapproved material. The disturbing story is described here.