West Hollywood Dermatologist Indicted

December 19, 2008 (by Otto Smyth)

According to reports by injury lawyers in Los Angeles, a popular West Hollywood dermatologist David Cary Hansen has been indicted after allegedly using an unapproved Botox substitute on patients without their knowledge.

Hansen was indicted on Wednesday in Los Angeles by a federal grand jury, for using the substitute drug that was known to have caused botulism when used in high doses. This drug was also found to have been labeled “ not for human use.” The indictment alleges the dermatologist was using this as an experimental way of reducing wrinkles according to prosecutors.

After Hansen’s arrest on Thursday morning prosecutors stated that the doctor is accused of purchasing the experimental drug from 2003 and 2004 in the state of Arizona and had purchased approximately 12 vials. These vials were marked for research purposes only according to prosecutors and were Botulinum Type A. The doctor is also charged with alleged mail fraud, and other offenses related to the drug.

The incidences took place at his clinic Skinstation, where prosecutors allege he used this drug, which cost less on his patients while he led them to believe he was doing injections of Botox. Hansen age 52 is facing up to 60 years in a federal prison if convicted, along with $600,000 in fines according to reports.

This is not the doctor’s first brush with medical treatment problems; according to reports in 2008 he had his medical license suspended for sixty days. This was for excessive treatment of approximately four patients.

Hansen has been released on $50,000 bail and a court date for January 12th has been scheduled.