Damage to last a lifetime? Counterfeit £100 Endolift leaves woman, 40, injured

One woman who was left with significant injuries after a cosmetic procedure told the Guardian she has damage that could last a lifetime.

- Tobi Thomas

Triggs, 40, from Leeds, was left with significant bruising and swelling after paying £100 for an Endolift, a non-surgical laser treatment used for skin tightening and fat reduction.

The laser works by a thin, micro-optical wire which penetrates deep into the skin layer, and is used to boost collagen and melt small pockets of fat. "I had visited this particular clinic before, for other cosmetic treatments such as skin boosters, waxes etc, so I thought I was in safe hands when they offered me a treatment to tighten and lift my face," Triggs says.

"As soon as the treatment began I knew something was not right. The pain was unbearable and the bruising started instantly," she added.

Although advertised as an Endolift, Triggs actually received a counterfeit version of the treatment, which usually costs around £2,000 when administered by a medical specialist.