In today's world, the beauty industry is witnessing an unprecedented rise in the popularity of Botox and fillers. This trend is particularly prevalent among (young) women in their quest to meet certain beauty standards. Cosmetic enhancements are increasingly seen as the norm rather than the exception. The drive towards achieving the ideal of eternal youth and flawlessness, while understandable, has unintentionally opened the door to a more sinister aspect of the cosmetic world.
Unfortunately, the trend has not only attracted a significant appeal among (young) women. There has also been a proliferation of charlatans looking to cash in. These individuals, driven by money and sometimes lacking the required medical qualifications or ethical standards, offer various treatments such as Botox and fillers. These fraudsters, operating under the guise of professionalism, earn vast sums of money and leave behind victims whose faces are often irreparably mutilated by botched procedures.
Worrying practices at Wrinkle Care Clinics in Almere
An example of such malpractitioners is the originally Pakistani "Dr." Farhad S. who poses as a multi-specialized medical professional. He offers treatments such as Botox, fillers, and other cosmetic procedures, which in some cases have demonstrably led to very concerning outcomes. His treatments are associated with serious, sometimes potentially permanent damage to clients, raising severe ethical questions about his methods and the broader implications for the cosmetic industry.
"Dr." Farhad S. claims among other things about himself that he is not just any registered BIG-basic doctor (Registration number: 39909673201), but also:
worked as an outpatient psychiatrist in Lelystad,
was chef child and adolescent psychiatry,
worked in the internal medicine department of the University Medical Center Utrecht,
was doctor in the orthopedic surgery department at the Flevoziekenhuis in the Netherlands,
and is certified by the American Academy of Integrative Cell Therapy for its expertise in stem cell therapy and advanced stem cell therapy protocols.
According to the law, anyone who has studied medicine and has a BIG registration is allowed to perform Botox and filler treatments. However, what is also clearly stated in the law is that it is a criminal offense to falsify a CV.
We have inquired at the mentioned stem cell therapy academy, and it turns out that he indeed took a short introductory course but in no way should he present himself as an expert in the field of stem cell therapy.
Also, the other positions he claims to have held, according to the BIG-register - which we also spoke to - are completely fabricated, as he would need to be specifically registered in the register for such positions. "Dr." Farhad S. of Botulinum Wrinkle Care Clinics appears to be just a simple basic doctor, if that is even true. Because it raises the question of what kind of diplomas one could possibly obtain in Pakistan, for example.
The core issue lies not only in the (CV) fraud he commits but also in the deception he presents to his clients. After all, when it comes to a procedure that could potentially permanently disfigure your face, you would want to be assured of the best and most experienced doctor available. Due to (CV) fraud, "Dr." Farhad S. of Botulinum Wrinkle Care Clinics appears to be such an experienced doctor, but in reality, this is not at all the case. Remember, he is a doctor, and if doctors can no longer be trusted!?
Deception and Fraud by Botulinum Wrinkle Care Clinics in Almere
Having a background in the advertising world myself, I know better than anyone that words and images can present reality in a more favorable light than it actually is. However, there's a line that should never be crossed, and that is the path of lies.
This is precisely where "Dr." Farhad S. of Botulinum Wrinkle Care Clinics - and likely many others - screw up. His transgressions are not limited to CV fraud but also extend to how he presents his practice as a chain of clinics.
He only rented a small treatment room for one or later two days a week in a reputable and exclusive beauty salon in Amsterdam. On his website, "Dr." Farhad S. then gave the impression that customers could visit him six days a week, in Amsterdam, Almere, and a branch in Hilversum. (He has since rented a room elsewhere in Amsterdam, and you can only make an appointment for that address, but we have screenshots of his site in possession of the above claim).
But how can he work six days a week everywhere when the small treatment room in Amsterdam is actually only available for two days a week? He even told people that the entire salon in Amsterdam belonged to him and that the owner would work for him. This is yet another example of making oneself appear larger and better than one is, through deception and fraud, leading potential clients to believe they are dealing with a successful professional and chain.
Deception in the beauty industry through fake reviews
Deception in the beauty industry through fake reviews is a well-known phenomenon, similar to what is often seen in the travel industry. You know the drill: glowing online reviews, but upon arrival, the hotel is okay, yet the pool certainly didn't have the Olympic dimensions as advertised in the brochure. The issue of fake reviews arises because it's possible to purchase them. In the beauty industry, there isn't just the problem of bought reviews but often self-written reviews posted on one's own site.
This is precisely the method by which, in our view, scammers like "Dr." Farhad S. lure their victims. For many, reviews are a guideline that helps them navigate through the plethora of choices, searching for services that promise reliability and quality.
However, when you visit the website of "Dr." Farhad S. and his activities at Botulinum Wrinkle Care Clinics Almere, you're bombarded by likely fake reviews. Those with a keen eye for language might quickly notice that these reviews appear to be self-written, for instance, by consistently using the same spelling mistakes and illogical sentence constructions. Moreover, almost none of these reviews can be verified, casting doubt on their authenticity.
The problem with this is that “Dr.” Farhad S, despite a trail of dissatisfied procedures and customers, has managed to maintain an online façade of excellence and reliability. His reviews, glowing with praise and devoid of the reality many of his actual clients experience, paint a misleading picture of safety, professionalism, and success. Rumor has it that this 'gentleman' is called the 'Butcher of Amsterdam' in a hospital where they try to restore injuries resulting from Botox and filler treatments. But, of course, that’s not mentioned on his Botulinum Wrinkle Care Clinics site.
The danger of such deceptive practices extends far beyond the immediate financial gain for the practitioners involved. This fundamentally undermines trust in people who present themselves as medical professionals! Moreover, these practises lure individuals into making choices based on distorted information, often leading to physical and emotional distress when the promised results fail to materialize or even cause physical disfigurement, with which “Dr.” Farhad S. of Wrinkle Care Clinics can be associated.
Medical charlatans hide behind insurance
Not only are the claims and treatments of this "Dr." Farhad S. highly dubious and thus potentially dangerous, but medical charlatans like him can easily hide behind their insurance.
Every patient must sign a form prior to undergoing procedures such as Botox or filler treatments, which includes terms relating to one's own responsibility and acknowledges that there is always a risk, etc. As a cosmetic practitioner, you can get insurance for just a few dollars a month to keep ' difficult customers' at bay. The process usually works as follows:
For example, you undergo a Botox treatment or get fillers and you do not achieve the desired result or even end up with a disastrous outcome, potentially leading to disfigurement.
You seek compensation due to no or a disastrous result but are first reminded of what you have signed.
You realize you might not have made the right choice in terms of ‘doctor’, acknowledge that you agreed to possible complications, and cease your protest.
If you are confident and knowledgeable about the law, you decide to file a claim or expose the charlatan in court.
The insurance kicks in, and you can incur significant costs while the ‘basic doctor’ can proceed with legal actions for years without any costs themselves.
Game over. As a result, the most grievous cases of malpractice are not brought to light, and there’s almost nothing you can do.
The often intimidating and polished lawyers scare many clients from filing a claim or even daring to schedule an appointment to discuss what feels wrong to the client. This environment fosters a culture where the focus shifts from patient safety and satisfaction to profit and self-protection. It undermines the ethical duty of doctors to do no harm and to continually improve their practice in accordance with medical advancements and patient feedback.
Realizing this also heightens the suspicion that something is amiss. After all, what reliable, experienced doctor, who knows what they are doing, would ever feel the need to hide behind intimidating clauses in fine print and expensive lawyers who are free for the doctor?
The call for responsibility and reform in the cosmetic industry
The practices at Botulinum Wrinkle Care Clinics in Almere are not just an isolated incident but a symptom of a larger problem within the cosmetic industry. They highlight the critical need for stricter regulations, thorough vetting of Botox and filler practitioners, and more robust patient education and protection.
Potential clients should be encouraged to ask for verifiable qualifications and reputations of cosmetic practitioners. Meanwhile, the industry and regulatory bodies must intensify their efforts to address unqualified or unethical practitioners who endanger the trust in the medical profession and ethics within the beauty industry.
It is absolutely essential that the cosmetic industry and its stakeholders recommit to the core values of medical ethics. Transparency, patient safety, and accountability must be the pillars on which cosmetic practices are built.
How do you make the best choice for a cosmetic treatment?
A friend of mine, who has worked in a hospital for 38 years, told me about an interesting change. Until a few years ago, she was allowed to administer every injection and place every IV. But then, the Dutch government decided that only individuals with a Bachelor's degree could perform these tasks, even if they only had a few years of experience as an intern. The decades of my friend's experience, with thousands of injections administered by her, suddenly didn't count anymore. This raises an ethical dilemma: do you choose someone with a lot of experience or someone with the right degree?
What I definitely want to choose, however, is someone who is demonstrably honest about their experience and/or their degree, because if that is no longer sincere and verifiable, then I can't make a well-informed choice. And that is exactly what “Dr.” Farhad S. as a basic doctor now obstructs, and why this article is dedicated to a man like him.
Of course, in most cases, you can assume that a practitioner is who they say they are and that they take their ethical responsibility seriously, helping you to receive treatment that makes you feel more beautiful and happy. But you also have a responsibility to check thoroughly who you are consulting. Here are a few tips when looking for the right cosmetic clinic.
Tips for a safe and professional cosmetic treatment:
Check the BIG register for free for the person performing the treatment to see if they have specializations that match what you need.
Verify if the practitioner is affiliated with the KNMG (Royal Dutch Medical Association).
Check if the clinic is affiliated with the NVCG (Dutch Association of Cosmetic Medicine).
Do not sign anything you do not trust and always read the fine print.
Check the CV and references of the practitioner and do not rely solely on the clinic's website.
If you have a bad feeling about it, don't do it!
What can you do if your cosmetic treatment goes wrong?
Seek medical help immediately, go to your doctor or hospital.
If you are not satisfied or something has gone wrong, file a complaint with the disciplinary board for healthcare or the National Healthcare Reporting Point (LMZ).
Always leave an honest review, even if you are satisfied.
Ongoing investigation into Farhad S. and wrinkle care clinics
Our investigation into Farhad S. is ongoing, and various agencies are already aware of his 'practices'. If you have also been a victim of Botulinum Wrinkle Care Clinics, Farhad S. personally, or another clinic or individual within the cosmetic industry, we urge you to contact us or leave a comment.
FAQ
What are Botulinum Wrinkle Care Clinics?
Botulinum Wrinkle Care Clinics pretents to specialize in cosmetic treatments aimed at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, primarily through the use of Botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox) and filler injections.
How can I verify the qualifications of a cosmetic practitioner?
Check the practitioner's credentials against the BIG register (in the Netherlands) or equivalent in your country. Look for affiliations with recognized medical societies such as the KNMG (Royal Dutch Medical Association) or NVCG (Dutch Association of Cosmetic Medicine).
What risks are associated with Botox and filler treatments?
While many people undergo Botox and filler treatments without issues, risks can include allergic reactions, infection, and, in rare cases, more serious complications like vascular occlusion. The skill and experience of the practitioner significantly impact the risk level.
Are online reviews of cosmetic clinics reliable?
While online reviews can provide insights, they're not always reliable as they can be fabricated or biased. Seek reviews from multiple sources and consider word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted individuals.
What should I do if I have a bad experience with a cosmetic treatment?
If you experience adverse effects following a cosmetic treatment, seek medical attention immediately. Consider reporting the practitioner to the relevant medical or regulatory body in your country, and share your experience in a review to inform others.
Can a practitioner with a basic medical degree perform cosmetic treatments?
Laws vary by country, but in many places like The Netherlands, a practitioner with a basic medical degree can perform cosmetic treatments if they have the necessary training and certifications. However, additional specializations often reflect a higher level of expertise.
How can I protect myself from fraudulent cosmetic clinics?
Research extensively, verify practitioner credentials, and choose clinics affiliated with reputable medical associations. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true and clinics that pressure you into treatments.
What are the signs of a reputable cosmetic clinic?
Reputable clinics typically have transparent pricing, verifiable practitioner qualifications, positive and verifiable reviews, and memberships in professional organizations. They should also provide comprehensive consultations to discuss risks and expectations.
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