UPDATE: A woman from Sugar Land, Texas, has been charged with serious offenses after allegedly injecting a patient with counterfeit filler, causing significant health complications. Iris Vanessa Garcia, aged 35, faces charges of practicing medicine without a license and inflicting harm following a botched procedure on September 26.
According to court documents obtained by ABC13, the victim reached out to Garcia through her Instagram account, “One_Aesthetics.htx,” to schedule a cosmetic procedure involving Botox and dermal fillers. The treatment took place at Garcia’s business, “One Aesthetics Houston,” located at 1500 South Dairy Ashford Road in west Houston.
The complaint details that Garcia falsely claimed certification to administer Botox and that she would use genuine Juvederm, a popular wrinkle filler. However, it was later revealed that the substance injected was counterfeit. After paying over $1,000 for the procedure, the victim experienced severe complications, including visible lumps along her jawline.
The victim returned to Garcia for a follow-up appointment, expressing concerns about her condition. Garcia injected the victim again, claiming it would help alleviate the issues. However, complications worsened, with the victim reporting severe drooping of her right eyelid and paralysis in her forehead. Just three days later, the victim sought emergency medical care at Memorial Heights Emergency Center, where staff diagnosed her with facial nerve palsy.
During her last visit on October 23, the victim requested to see Garcia’s credentials, but Garcia refused to provide any proof of certification. The investigation by the Houston Police Department Major Offenders Division uncovered that Garcia is not licensed to perform any of the cosmetic procedures she was offering.
Garcia was officially charged on December 1, and officials are urging anyone who may have received similar treatments from her to come forward. This alarming case highlights the dangers of seeking cosmetic procedures from unlicensed individuals and underscores the importance of verifying credentials before undergoing any medical treatment.
As authorities continue to investigate, consumers are reminded to prioritize safety and ensure that any aesthetic treatments are conducted by certified and licensed professionals. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
