Houston's beauty industry was impacted by the arrest of Alegna Delgado James, 31, who is accused of offering and administering illegal cosmetic procedures. As per Click2Houston, James was detained Monday after a customer, lured through TikTok for a free lip filler service, ended up with unlicensed injections at ABS Aesthetics, Hillcroft St.
The Houston Police have confirmed the charges against James for practicing medicine without a license or permit causing harm, James, who was released on bond, is awaiting a court appearance scheduled for today; meanwhile, inside her business, counterfeit Botox was found, highlighting the risks present in the expanding cosmetic procedure market, where individuals may be exposed to deceptive practices and potential harm. KHOU 11 has illuminated that despite her defense's argument she did not engage in invasive procedures necessitating anesthesia, James is a certified medical assistant, and her bond was set at $5,000; she must also maintain distance from ABS Aesthetics.
Victims of such practices may end up paying significantly higher prices for questionable products. In this case, the victim, who chose to remain anonymous, paid $499 for lip enhancements, while an online search indicated the product could cost as little as $29.95. The procedure was unregulated, and the ingredients were unknown. Dr. Richard LeConey, owner of Houston’s Antiage Institute, notes that the unregulated nature of this industry can pose risks, including the potential for harm from counterfeit products.
In response to these events, the Houston Police are encouraging anyone who may have been a victim of similar practices to come forward. This effort is aimed at protecting consumer safety and ensuring the integrity of the cosmetic industry, which faces increasing pressure from social media influence and impulsive decisions related to beauty and appearance. Dr. LeConey advises patients to research providers, seek immediate medical attention if they experience adverse effects, and verify the authenticity of products used at clinics.
