Which? Helps Abandoned Cosmetic Filler Victims Take Action, UK

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Also Included In: Dermatology;  Litigation / Medical Malpractice
Article Date: 31 Aug 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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Over 50 people abandoned by cosmetic treatment company Isolagen are set to take legal action to win thousands of pounds in damages, with the help of Which?

Isolagen offered patients, who wanted to smooth their wrinkles, a cosmetic filler which used their own skin cells. Cells were taken during a biopsy and re-injected into the skin. But in 2006, having left its customers with questionable results and out of pocket by about £3,500.00 each, the company withdrew from Britain.

After being contacted by a Which? member who lost thousands of pounds to Isolagen with no results, Which? launched an online chat room to find others with similar stories. It has now put the 'Isolagen Action Group' in contact with a legal firm specialising in cosmetic surgery negligence.

Jenny Driscoll, health campaigner, Which?, says:

"This is a great example of ordinary people uniting to take on the business that has let them down. Most people who have contacted us have complained of losing thousands of pounds and feeling deserted by the company that claimed it could help.

"Isolagen was able to practise inBritaindue to the lax regulation covering non-surgical treatments. The government should have done something; there should be rules in place to stop these products slipping through the net. Standing together will finally give these people a fair chance to win their money back.

"We want to hear from more people who wish to join the Isolagen Action Group. Leave us your story at http://www.which.co.uk/cosmetic and we'll be in contact."

Mike Saul, solicitor for TJ Legal based in Manchester who is representing the group says:

"It does seem that certain treatments can enter the market in theUKwithout adequate testing or analysis. The regulatory framework is not tight enough. From the information I have, I am happy to act for the group in the pursuit of this matter. I am analysing all options, which may or may not include litigation."

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