A mother-daughter duo from Texas, Consuelo Dal Bo, 56, and Isabella Dal Bo, 18, have been arrested for allegedly running a nationwide illegal butt injection operation. They were caught in a sting operation in Houston after arranging to inject an undercover cop with an unlabeled brown liquid for $6,000. The women were licensed cosmetologists and were conducting their illicit business in California as well. They were found with bottles of illegal injectables and medical equipment in their possession.
The suspects claimed they were not sure what was in the bottles they were planning to inject the cop with. The sting operation was carried out by the Houston Police Department’s Major Offenders Division, the Food and Drug Administration, and Homeland Security. Consuelo and Isabella Dal Bo are both charged with unlawfully practicing medicine, with Consuelo facing an additional drug charge. They were released on bond and are set to appear in court on April 10.
The FDA has warned against using injectable dermal fillers for body contouring, as it can lead to serious complications, including long-term pain, infections, injuries, and even death. Injectable silicone oil can break off into smaller particles in the body, causing permanent damage and life-threatening complications like stroke and embolism. Reverse an injection is difficult, requiring incision or liposuction to remove silicone and scar tissue. Granulomas would also need to be surgically excised.
Lisa Vasquez, a board-certified aesthetic nurse practitioner, explained that removal of injected silicone is challenging, and there is no method to dissolve liquid silicone. The FDA has stated that silicone in the body remains forever since the material does not break down. The illegal butt injection operation was particularly dangerous due to the unknown composition of the injectables being used. The illegal procedure posed a significant risk to the undercover cop, highlighting the dangers of unlicensed, unregulated cosmetic procedures.
The case of the mother-daughter duo underscores the importance of seeking licensed and qualified professionals for cosmetic procedures. Such operations carry significant risks, including severe health complications and potential death. The FDA’s warnings against using unregulated injectables emphasize the dangers associated with illegal cosmetic practices. It is crucial to prioritize safety and legality when considering cosmetic procedures involving injectable materials to prevent irreversible damage and life-threatening consequences. Consuelo and Isabella Dal Bo’s arrest serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in unlawful medical practices and the inherent risks associated with illegal cosmetic procedures.
