Blog

Aug 03, 2023

Imperial Valley doctor admits to using unapproved cosmetic drugs

SAN DIEGO – Tien Tan Vo, a doctor practicing in Imperial Valley, has pleaded guilty to crimes related to his years-long use of foreign unapproved and misbranded cosmetic drugs. According to a press

SAN DIEGO – Tien Tan Vo, a doctor practicing in Imperial Valley, has pleaded guilty to crimes related to his years-long use of foreign unapproved and misbranded cosmetic drugs.

According to a press release from the Office of U.S. Attorney Southern District of California, Vo pleaded guilty to receipt of misbranded drugs in interstate commerce and being an accessory after the fact to an accomplice, who smuggled the unapproved drugs into the United States from Mexico.

In his plea agreement, Vo admitted that none of the injectable botulinum toxin or lip fillers used by his clinics between November 2016 and October 2020 was approved for use in the United States. This specifically included a botulinum toxin product called “Xeomeen” and an injectable lip filler called Probcel–both products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to the release.

“(Dr.) Vo acknowledged that he received $100,767 in gross receipts for almost four years of cosmetic services performed with unapproved drugs and devices,” the release reads. “As part of his plea agreement, he has agreed to forfeit that amount, and to pay a fine of $201,534. Vo also agreed to pay restitution to victims of his offense.”

In his plea agreement, Vo admitted purchasing most of his unapproved drugs and devices from the operator of a “med spa” in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, who smuggled them into the United States without declaring them, per the release.

“All members of our community should be able to trust that their doctor is acting in their best interest,” Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden said in the press release. “Through this prosecution, we are protecting patients from unapproved and potentially unsafe drugs and will always seek to thwart those who would exploit patients for financial gain.”

“Injecting unapproved medicines poses a significant threat to public health and can have serious consequences for individuals,” Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Diego, said in the release. “Together, with our partnered agencies, we need to educate people of the dangers caused by using unauthorized botulinum toxin (the active ingredient in Botox®, Xeomin®, and similar products) and thwart those who smuggle and illegally use it for cosmetic procedures.”

“The FDA’s requirements help ensure that patients receive safe and effective medical treatments,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert M. Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office. “Evading the FDA process and distributing unapproved drugs to U.S. consumers will not be tolerated. We will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who traffic in unapproved drugs.”

Vo’s sentencing is set for November 16, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison H. Goddard.

Potential victims related to this case may provide or request information by emailing [email protected].

Log In

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,racist or sexually-oriented language.PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.Don't Threaten. Threats of harming anotherperson will not be tolerated.Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyoneor anything.Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ismthat is degrading to another person.Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link oneach comment to let us know of abusive posts.Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitnessaccounts, the history behind an article.

Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reporting—but good journalism isn’t free.Please support us by subscribing or making a contribution.

A clear sky. Low around 85F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

A clear sky. Low around 85F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

Mainly sunny. Hot. High 117F. Winds light and variable.

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images.

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.