The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim
"The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim" is your ultimate guide to exploring the world of beauty, aesthetics, and both non-invasive and invasive procedures. Join renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Roy Kim as he shares his expertise, delves into the latest advancements, and engages in insightful discussions with industry experts, bringing you a wealth of knowledge to enhance your confidence and empower your aesthetic journey.
The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim
When Looking Younger Can Put Your Life in Danger
The dark underbelly of the beauty industry is exposed through the case of Joey Grant Luther, a Manhattan esthetician charged with using counterfeit Botox from China that caused severe health complications including botulism in his clients.
• Manhattan esthetician Joey Grant Luther created a false image of success on social media while secretly operating an illegal beauty practice
• Luther used counterfeit Botox from China for treatments ranging from wrinkle reduction to penis enlargement
• Clients experienced serious side effects including botulism, vision problems, heart palpitations, and difficulty swallowing
• Evidence shows Luther knew about the dangers but continued treatments while lying to clients about product origins
• Penis enlargement claims involved non-FDA approved dermal fillers with no scientific evidence of safety or efficacy
• Protect yourself by researching practitioners' credentials, asking questions about products, and being wary of prices that seem too good to be true
• True beauty starts with being informed and prioritizing health over quick fixes
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Welcome to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim. All right, so I'm ready to dive into a world where the pursuit of youth and beauty takes a dark turn.
Speaker 2:Let's do it.
Speaker 1:Okay, great. So we're taking a deep dive into this article from the New York Times and it's a true crime story that kind of unfolds in the heart of the beauty industry.
Speaker 2:It's juicy.
Speaker 1:It is, it is so. Have you ever I mean, I'm sure you have but have you ever wondered what really goes on behind those promises of like quick fixes and miracle results?
Speaker 2:All the time yeah.
Speaker 1:Well, this story might make you think twice. We're talking about this guy, Joey Grant Luther.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:And he's a Manhattan esthetician who's been charged with using counterfeit Botox from China on his clients.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and it wasn't just a few wrinkles he was tackling. He was promising everything from, you know reducing, sweating to get this penis enlargement.
Speaker 2:Really penis enlargement with Botox.
Speaker 1:Well, that's what he was advertising. Yeah, but here's the catch those promises came with a pretty hefty price botulism, vision problems and a whole host of other terrifying side effects.
Speaker 2:I can imagine.
Speaker 1:So how did this happen, like? How did he manage to operate under the radar for so long, and what does this story tell us about the potential dangers lurking in the world of beauty and wellness?
Speaker 2:It's a fascinating case, I mean. I think it exposes the dark underbelly of an industry that really thrives on our insecurities. You see, for a lot of people the desire to look younger, to erase those signs of aging.
Speaker 1:It's incredibly powerful yeah, and mr Luther knew exactly how to tap into that desire. The article describes him as a true man about town, flaunting his wealth, hanging out with all these youthful companions, basically living this high life, and it was all meticulously documented all over his social media. So he basically crafted this image of success and allure, which in turn, probably created a sense of trust with potential clients. Mark.
Speaker 2:BLYTH? Well, absolutely. That's a classic tactic used by unethical practitioners. They create this illusion of expertise, of exclusivity, and they use social media as this tool to project an image that may not you know, may not reflect reality.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about qualifications anymore, it's about creating this whole persona that people just buy into. Right, but behind the facade, the article reveals a very, very different story. He was running this illegal practice in Hell's Kitchen, injecting clients with counterfeit Botox, knowing knowing full well the risks involved. And the range of treatments he offered, from the expected, like you know, wrinkle reduction, to the more unusual, like, well, let's just say, enhancements in certain areas, it all raises some serious red flags.
Speaker 2:Yeah, for sure I mean. This lack of transparency is a major warning sign. Any legitimate practitioner is going to be upfront about their services, their qualifications and you know the products that they use. Operating in secrecy like this suggests that they may be trying to hide something. Perhaps they're using you know unapproved products or they're operating without the proper licenses or practicing treatments that are not backed by scientific evidence.
Speaker 1:And in Mr Luther's case, he seemed to be doing all of the above. He kept a lot of those more, shall we say, unconventional treatments off his official website and his social media Clients only found out about them once they were in his office.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a tactic that allows them to target a specific clientele, often those who are seeking treatments that are outside the mainstream or who are perhaps more vulnerable to these kinds of promises.
Speaker 1:And speaking of promises, the article details some truly alarming side effects experienced by his clients heart palpitations, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, double vision, even botulism.
Speaker 2:And that's where it gets really dangerous. Botulism is a serious neurological condition that's caused by a toxin that basically attacks the nervous system.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It can lead to paralysis, difficulty breathing and, in severe cases, it can even be fatal.
Speaker 1:So this isn't just about a few wrinkles gone wrong.
Speaker 2:We're talking about potentially life-threatening Absolutely, and what makes it even more concerning is that you know botulism is not a typical side effect of Botox, not when it's administered correctly and when they're using you know legitimate products. This points directly to the dangers of you know counterfeit products, where you just you simply don't know what you're getting. It's like playing Russian roulette with your health.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and what's even more disturbing is that Mr Luther was aware of the dangers. The article cites messages where he's actually complaining to his suppliers about bad Botox and clients ending up in the hospital.
Speaker 2:So he knew, wow, knowing the risks and continuing to practice anyway is simply, it's unconscionable. I mean, it raises some serious ethical and legal questions about his motivations. Was it purely greed? Was it, you know, just this reckless disregard for the well-being of his clients? Or maybe it was a combination of factors? It's hard to say for sure.
Speaker 1:There's one anecdote in the article that really struck me. One of Luther's clients actually sent him a CNN report about the dangers of counterfeit Botox and his response he assured her that his products were from Allergan, the legitimate manufacturer, while he was privately berating his suppliers for providing him with contaminated products.
Speaker 2:Wow, talk about a two-faced approach.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's a clear indication that he was not only aware of the risks, but he was actively trying to conceal them from his clients, and I think this speaks to the need for increased awareness and education among consumers. You really have to be your own advocate when it comes to your health and beauty.
Speaker 1:Absolutely Don't just take someone's word for it, especially when it comes to something as potentially risky as injecting a foreign substance into your body. But how do you know who to trust? What are some of the red flags to watch out for, and you know what steps can you take to protect yourself in a world where even seemingly you know, simple beauty treatments can carry such serious risks?
Speaker 2:Well, that's what we're here to unpack.
Speaker 1:That's right. So let's take a deep dive into this complex and, frankly, scary situation and we'll arm you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your own beauty and wellness journey. So we've established that Mr Luther was kind of living this double life right Charismatic persona online, but then this shady practitioner behind closed doors. But this story gets even more unsettling when you look at the timeline.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean, what's really alarming is that, even as concerns about counterfeit Botox were making headlines, you know, across the country, mr Luther was just continuing to operate like as if nothing was happening. Yeah, the article mentions that in July of last year, there were all these reports of people having these adverse reactions to these counterfeit injections, and New York was specifically identified, as you know, one of the affected states.
Speaker 1:It's almost like a scene from a movie. One of his clients develops double vision after a treatment, goes to the ER, gets a brain scan and then sends him this CNN report detailing all of these harmful reactions that are linked to counterfeit Botox. You would think that would be enough to make him stop right.
Speaker 2:You'd think right. But Mr Luther's response is just it's a textbook example of denial and maybe even a little bit of desperation mixed in there. He tells her, and I quote the Botox is from Allergan. So I know that's not an issue. He's like clinging to this facade, you know, even as the evidence is mounting against him.
Speaker 1:Well, yeah, I mean, he's built his entire business, his reputation, potentially his entire identity, on this carefully curated image. Admitting the truth would mean facing the consequences you know, both legally and professionally.
Speaker 2:And those consequences are pretty significant. But I think what's even more concerning is that while he's reassuring his clients behind the scenes, it's a whole different story.
Speaker 1:Yeah, the article reveals that he's sending these frantic messages to one of his suppliers in China, blaming them for the contaminated product and saying that at least 20 of his clients have gotten sick. He even mentions that it's on the news here. So you know he clearly knows about the growing public concern.
Speaker 2:He's caught right. He's caught in his own web of deceit. Yeah, desperately trying to maintain control. You know, while everything around him is crumbling, it's like he's more concerned with protecting himself than with the well-being of his clients.
Speaker 1:It's a reminder that in this pursuit of beauty, you know and quick fixes, it's just so easy to be misled, especially when you have someone who's you know skilled at manipulation and creating that persona that instills trust.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and I think this case is really just the tip of the iceberg. I mean, this problem extends far beyond Mr Luther and counterfeit Botox. We're talking about this global industry of counterfeit medical products, you know, from medications to skincare, it's flooding the market.
Speaker 1:And that's a significant threat to public health. I mean, we've already talked about the dangers of botulism, but with counterfeit products, you know they could also be ineffective, they could contain harmful ingredients or they could just lack, you know, proper sterilization.
Speaker 2:Exactly, Consumers are often drawn in by those lower prices or the promise of getting you know some kind of exclusive product, but you have to understand that when it comes to your health, cutting corners can have really, really dire consequences.
Speaker 1:So this brings us to the big question, right? How can we as consumers, how can we protect ourselves in a world where these counterfeit products are becoming increasingly sophisticated and so easily accessible?
Speaker 2:That's the million dollar question, isn't it? And while there's no like foolproof solution, there are definitely steps we can take to, you know, at least minimize our risk.
Speaker 1:Okay, so let's break it down Like what are some red flags that should make us, you know, question a product or a practitioner?
Speaker 2:Well, first and foremost, be wary of deals that just seem too good to be true. You know, if a product is significantly cheaper than the market price, there's a good chance that it's counterfeit.
Speaker 1:And what about when it comes to choosing a practitioner Like? What are some things that we should be looking for?
Speaker 2:Do your research. Don't just rely on those flashy social media profiles or online reviews. Media profiles or online reviews. You want to look for practitioners who are licensed, who are board certified and who are transparent about their qualifications and the products that they use, so due diligence is key right.
Speaker 1:Don't be afraid to ask questions, and if a practitioner is kind of hesitant to answer your questions or to give you information about their products, that's a huge red flag.
Speaker 2:For sure. It's your body, it's your health. You have every right to be informed and to make the best decisions for yourself.
Speaker 1:So this deep dive into the world of counterfeit Botox has been eye-opening, to say the least. I mean, it's just exposed the dark underbelly of an industry that often preys on our insecurities and desires.
Speaker 2:It really has. But it's also a reminder that knowledge is power, you know.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And by being informed consumers, by asking the right questions and, you know, prioritizing safety over those shortcuts, we can navigate this of Mr Luther's practice that really highlights just how important it is to be a savvy consumer.
Speaker 1:And that is his claims of penis enlargement using well, not Botox. So we've talked about all these dangers with counterfeit Botox and really like how important it is to make informed choices right. Absolutely when it comes to anything in the beauty industry.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And I think this next part really just drives that point home.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:So remember how earlier we mentioned, you know, some of Mr Luther's more unconventional offerings. Oh yes, yes, like his claims of penis enlargement.
Speaker 2:Yeah, which is, you might imagine. That's not exactly within the realm of, you know, legitimate Botox use.
Speaker 1:Exactly. I mean Botox is mainly used to like temporarily relax muscles Right, Not to increase size Right.
Speaker 2:So what was he actually using for these? Well, what do we call them? Enhancements, enhancements, yes. Well, the article actually goes into this a little bit, and it turns out that he was using dermal fillers.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Which are, you know, substances that are injected beneath the skin to kind of add volume and plumpness.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:But and this is a really important point the specific fillers that he was using. They weren't FDA approved for this purpose at all.
Speaker 1:So they weren't even, like, meant to be used that way.
Speaker 2:No, and there's really no scientific evidence to support.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You know whether they actually work or if they're even safe to use in that way.
Speaker 1:So not only was he using this counterfeit Botox, but he was also like dabbling in these completely unproven and potentially dangerous treatments.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's exactly right.
Speaker 1:I mean with these fillers.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean, this is where it gets really scary, because it just underscores the dangers of going to someone who is not qualified. You're essentially putting your health, and, in this case, very sensitive areas, in the hands of someone who is operating completely outside the bounds of any kind of ethical or medical standards.
Speaker 1:And you don't know what you're getting.
Speaker 2:You have no idea, right, it's a huge risk.
Speaker 1:And beyond just the physical risks, there's also, you know, the ethical part of this. Oh, absolutely. I mean to prey on people's insecurities, offering these treatments that aren't even proven to work or be safe, and then operating in all this secrecy.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It paints a really bleak picture.
Speaker 2:It shows a complete disregard for the well-being of his clients. It shows a complete disregard for the well-being of his clients and I think you know he was driven purely by profit and this willingness to exploit people's vulnerabilities just for his own gain.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And you know this whole case. It really just begs the question how can we protect ourselves in a world where, even you know, these seemingly simple beauty treatments can have such serious risks?
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's the question, isn't it? And while we can't completely eliminate risk, you know, knowledge is definitely our best defense. We've talked about, you know, some key things throughout this whole deep dive, but I think it's worth repeating some of those steps that you know consumers can take to protect themselves. Definitely, so, first of all, do your research.
Speaker 2:Yes, absolutely A hundred percent.
Speaker 1:Don't just rely on social media, you know, or all this flashy advertising.
Speaker 2:You've got to dig a little deeper.
Speaker 1:Exactly Look for practitioners who are licensed, board certified and who have, you know a proven track record.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Check for online reviews from you know reputable sources and don't be afraid to like actually reach out to the practitioner.
Speaker 2:Pick up the phone.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and ask about their qualifications, their experience, the specific products that they use.
Speaker 2:Ask those questions.
Speaker 1:And what about those tempting deals, or like promises of, you know, these miracle results?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean honestly, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is Right. Be wary of practitioners who are offering significantly lower prices or promising these, you know, completely unrealistic outcomes.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:I think it's important to remember that quality treatments, quality products, they come at a cost, and if you're cutting corners, it often means that you're, you know, compromising your safety.
Speaker 1:So it's all about being like a smart consumer, right, absolutely, you know, take the time to educate yourself, ask those questions and, you know, trust your gut. Trust your gut. If something feels off, you know, don't hesitate to just walk away or get a second opinion from a qualified medical professional.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:So this deep dive into this whole world of counterfeit Botox and these unethical practices, it's definitely been eye-opening.
Speaker 2:Eye-opening for sure.
Speaker 1:I mean we've gone from this allure of you know quick fixes to this really harsh reality of some dangerous consequences.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a slippery slope.
Speaker 1:But you know, I think it's also been empowering right.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1:And we've armed you, the listeners, with the knowledge to you know, make smarter choices and to really advocate for your own safety.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:So stay informed, stay vigilant and remember true beauty it starts with being healthy and informed. Couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you for listening to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim. Make sure to follow for future topics and episodes.