The Real Risk: Andrea’s Story
BBC News recently reported on Andrea, a 60-year-old woman from Hull who was left traumatised and disfigured after a series of cosmetic procedures from an unqualified provider. Over 10 months, she received over 30 treatments, including Botox, dermal fillers, and thread lifts, all performed by someone posing as a medical doctor.
“Dr” Sean Scott, who ran the clinic, was not medically trained at all. His title came from an honorary online certificate, yet he was administering prescription-only treatments. Andrea ended up in the hospital with serious infections, facial damage, and permanent scarring. Her story is shocking, but sadly not rare in the current unregulated state of UK aesthetics.
How This Could Have Been Prevented
The core issue in Andrea’s case wasn’t just bad luck — it was poor regulation, lack of medical oversight, and unsafe practice. This is why it’s absolutely essential to:
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Choose a medically qualified injector
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Confirm registration with bodies like the GMC, NMC, or HCPC
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Ensure treatments are carried out in clinical environments
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Ask what products are being used and where they’re sourced from
At Haus of Ästhetik, every one of our practitioners is medically qualified and accountable to a professional register. We do not, and never will, allow unregulated injectors to treat patients.
What Is Vascular Occlusion and Why Is It Dangerous?
One of the most serious risks during filler treatment is vascular occlusion, where filler blocks a blood vessel, cutting off circulation and oxygen to the skin. If not treated urgently, this can lead to tissue death (necrosis) and permanent scarring.
In Andrea’s case, the symptoms of swelling, discolouration, and pain were likely signs of this kind of emergency, but she was not given proper treatment or reversal.
How Common Is Permanent Scarring?
If left untreated, vascular occlusion leads to permanent skin damage in 5–10% of cases, according to the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS, 2022). But when recognised early and reversed quickly, the risk drops dramatically.
The Antidote: What Is Hyaluronidase?
At Haus of Ästhetik, we always keep hyaluronidase on site. This is the prescription-only enzyme that can dissolve hyaluronic acid filler immediately. It restores blood flow and helps save the tissue — but only if used quickly and correctly.
We follow national protocols from ACE Group World, and our team is trained in emergency filler complication management. That means we’re ready, not just for the perfect result, but for the rare situations where something goes wrong.
What Makes Haus of Ästhetik Different?
We take safety seriously. That’s why we:
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Only use pharmacy-grade products sourced from UK-licensed suppliers
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Maintain a fully stocked emergency kit in every clinic
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Provide detailed aftercare and 7-day support post-treatment
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Regularly refresh our emergency training through accredited medical programmes
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Offer transparent consultations, so patients feel fully informed before treatment
What to Ask Your Injector Before Any Treatment
If you’re planning on getting filler or any aesthetic treatment, here are five questions to ask:
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Are you a registered medical professional?
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Where do your products come from?
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What happens if there’s a complication like vascular occlusion?
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Do you carry hyaluronidase?
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Will I have follow-up support after my treatment?
If the answers aren’t clear or confident, walk away.
Final Thoughts
Andrea’s story is painful, and we admire her courage in speaking out. It reminds all of us why regulation, medical knowledge, and ethical practice matter so much in aesthetics.
At Haus of Ästhetik, we proudly offer a safer, medically-led alternative. We don’t cut corners, we don’t overpromise, and we’re always prepared to manage complications with care and professionalism.