“Fake Doctor Left Me Looking Like a Gargoyle”: The Shocking Story Behind Botched Cosmetic Fillers
A BBC investigation has exposed Sean Scott, a former tattooist posing as a doctor, for administering botched cosmetic fillers at his aesthetics clinic in Hull. His actions have left one woman, Andrea, emotionally and physically scarred, and raised urgent concerns about the lack of regulation in the cosmetic industry.
Andrea’s Nightmare
Andrea, 60, says her life has been a nightmare since undergoing procedures at the Reshape U clinic in December 2021. After receiving fillers in her face and breasts, she now feels disfigured.
“I see a gargoyle when I look in the mirror—something horrible, disgusting,” Andrea confided. “I live a nightmare every single day.”
She recalls trusting Sean Scott, who presented himself as “Dr. Sean Scott, Clinical Director” on the clinic’s website and social media. The clinic boasted awards and a professional image, reassuring Andrea that she was in safe hands.
The Truth Behind the “Doctor”
Sean Scott has no medical qualifications. He admitted to purchasing an honorary doctorate in business consultancy online and displaying the title “Dr.” at his clinic. Despite advice from Hull City Council (HCC) to stop using the misleading title in 2024, videos from earlier years show plaques and materials identifying him as a medical professional.
Scott claims he informed clients who asked that he was not medically qualified and says he stopped using the title after being advised it could mislead customers.
The Use of Antibiotics and Botox
Andrea alleges that Scott prescribed her antibiotics following both of her breast filler procedures. She trusted him implicitly, believing he was a doctor. However, the General Medical Council (GMC) states that only medical professionals are allowed to prescribe antibiotics or Botox, and they must do so with sufficient knowledge of the patient.
Scott denies prescribing any medication directly. Instead, he claims he used a “registered prescriber with an authorised pharmacy” to obtain the medicine online.
Industry Regulation Delays Raise Alarm
The case has reignited concerns about the lack of regulation in the aesthetics industry. Leading practitioners warn of an increasing risk of “death and disfigurement” as government plans to regulate cosmetic procedures remain delayed.
Andrea’s story highlights the devastating consequences of trusting unregulated practitioners. For Andrea, the emotional and physical toll is overwhelming. “I trusted everything he said because he acted like a doctor,” she said.
A Call for Change
This case underlines the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability in the cosmetic industry to protect vulnerable clients from harm. Experts are urging authorities to expedite regulations and ensure only qualified medical professionals perform such procedures.
Until then, patients are advised to exercise extreme caution when choosing clinics and practitioners for cosmetic treatments.
