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Court orders West Van man to stop giving Botox treatments

A West Vancouver man has been ordered to stop giving Botox treatments and stop portraying himself as a doctor. In November 2018, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C.
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A West Vancouver man has been ordered to stop giving Botox treatments and stop portraying himself as a doctor.

In November 2018, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. sought a court injunction against Mehran Ghoreishi also known as Seyed Mohammadmehran Ghoreishi for “engaging in the unlawful practice of medicine.”

Ghoreishi is not registered with the college of physicians and surgeons and as such isn’t allowed to practise medicine in B.C.

But the regulatory body for doctors found he was administering the wrinkle remover Botox (the brand name for botulinum toxin) and doing other cosmetic procedures at Vancouver Laser Center, and Complement Healthcare, both of which are in West Vancouver, and Perfect Look Laser Removal and Photo Facial Centre in Vancouver.

“Botulinum toxin is a powerful toxin that can be extremely dangerous if administered improperly. If botulinim toxin is injected into the wrong muscle group, in such a way that botulinum toxin spreads beyond the intended location, or in an excessive quantity, it can cause partial or complete facial paralysis, trouble swallowing, headaches, flu-like symptoms or botulism poisoning,” the college’s petition to the court read.

“Mr. Ghoreishi’s conduct places public health at grave risk,” the petition later added.

On March 11, a B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled in favour of the college, prohibiting Ghoreishi from administering botulinum toxin, dermal fillers or platelet-rich plasma, performing thread lifts, dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, advising prospective clients about the risks or proper after-care following those procedures or “hold himself out as being qualified to do any of the above.

“Receiving a medical service such as injections from an unlicensed practitioner is risky and has the potential for complications, including reaction to agents, infections, or greater harm due to human error,” a statement from the regulatory body read.

“There is no assurance that the practitioner is competent or qualified to provide treatment, or that the material and equipment used are safe. The college recommends that any person who is treated by an unlicensed practitioner consult with their family physician to review the treatment/procedure received and the materials used in performing the procedure.”

Reached by phone, Ghoreishi had little to say.

“I have no comment. I didn’t do anything wrong,” he said.

The court order also prohibits any of the businesses where Ghoreishi works from implying that he is a medical doctor.

Bob Hafizi, owner of Complement Healthcare, said he only rented a room in his clinic out to Ghoreishi and did not handle any of his bookings, treatments or billing.

Hafizi said he ended the business relationship before learning of the college’s investigation.