Cosmetic procedures at a Sydney clinic could have nightmare repercussions for dozens of clients after an investigation found they may have been exposure to hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV.
Ketthip Beauty Clinic, or the Clinic, on Sussex Street, has been using surgical equipment meant ‘for veterinary use only’ on patients, according to evidence revealed by the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission on Monday.
The healthcare watchdog alleged that staff at the clinic may also have impersonated registered medical practitioners and performed invasive cosmetic procedures.
This included breast augmentation, the injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) and hyaluronic acid, dermal fillers.
At least one person is believed to have had an adverse reaction to procedures performed there.
It comes after a recent inspection of the clinic by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit found that some of the practices may have exposed patients to blood borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV.
Clients who had infusions, injections or underwent any invasive procedure (such as microdermabrasion or PDO thread lift) were urged to see their GP and ask to be tested for blood borne viruses.
Anyone wanting to find out more about potential exposure to the viruses were also encouraged to contact the Public Health Unit.
The healthcare watchdog found evidence staff may have performed Botox procedures without being registered practitioners (stock image)
A number of the large swathes of medication was found to be expired, HCCC said (stock)
The HCCC also found evidence that hygiene and infection control practices were ‘highly concerning’, meaning an immediate risk to public health and safety.
Among the large amounts of controlled medications actively used, the watchdog found most were imported from overseas and a number were expired.
These drugs are classified as tightly controlled by the government due to a risk of patients abusing them or becoming addicted.
Patients who were injected with the medication or underwent surgical procedures are at ‘significant risk of harm’, HCCC said.
There were also large quantities of imported prescription only schedule 4 drugs – medicines that are obtained from a pharmacist on prescription – found in the clinic with unknown quality, safety and efficacy.
Daily Mail Australia has attempted to contact Ketthip Beauty Clinic.
