Victoria Taraska, MD

Was so nervous before having fillers. Almost didn't go because I didn't want pain. The entire produce was way better than I expected. Nurse did the treatment and she was super fantastic. Five star for me.

Public Warning – Misdiagnosis and Years of Neglect by Victoria Taraska

I don’t write reviews lightly, but I feel a duty to speak out so that others might be spared the pain and neglect I endured. Under the care of Victoria Taraska, I spent nearly three years with a serious skin condition that was misdiagnosed and left untreated. Despite my persistent symptoms and the clear impact it was having on my physical and mental health, I received no meaningful care or follow-up.

This condition caused daily, excruciating pain, visible damage to my skin, and a devastating ripple effect on my quality of life—leading to isolation, emotional distress, and even compulsive behaviors like skin picking and hair pulling. I was left feeling helpless and dismissed, as if my suffering was being minimized or ignored altogether.

I finally have hope. In 24 days, I will see a new dermatologist—someone who actually listened, reviewed my history seriously, and began charting a treatment plan from the very first consult. The contrast is shocking and heartbreaking. This is what care should have looked like years ago.

The time stolen from my life, the emotional toll, and the lack of professional accountability demand to be acknowledged. I would not wish this experience on anyone.

Please advocate for yourself if something feels wrong. Trust your body. And if you’re considering care from Victoria Taraska I urge you to be cautious and informed. What might seem like a minor oversight could turn into years of needless suffering, as it did for me.

So I just had my first Kybella treatment late this afternoon. The procedure itself was pretty easy and on a pain scale of 1 to 10, I give it a three. Upon arrival they had me ice for a good 10 to 15 minutes, they outlined the area for treatment and the traceable tattoo was applied. I had 2 vials/4 syringes/21-22 injections. The burning/stinging started about halfway through less than a five minute procedure. Afterwards I iced in the office for another 10 to 15 minutes, and when I left I was also given an ice pack to use in the car on the way home. I'm already pretty swollen, but it doesn't hurt. It's a little uncomfortable to look up and it feels very numb (think how your lips cheeks are nose feels when you get anaesthesia at the dentist).
I did a lot of research before finally taking the plunge. I don't do well with surgery (problems with anaesthesia) and decided that despite the possible downtime that Kybella was the choice for me. Luckily, we are having a typical Canadian prairie winter and scarves will be my go to accessory.
I hope to update my journey, and have my second treatment scheduled February 17.
For the record, I'm 5'7" and weigh approximately 160 pounds.
(I will also update whether it was worth it once I've completed treatment. Since this is my first, I'm still not sure what my results will be.)

Updated on 11 Jan 2017:
It is now 6 days post and I haven't had any problems. The swelling was the worst over the weekend and I did have a migraine on Sunday, but I don't think it was related. I have not worn scarves or anything to cover up my neck area; the only person who notices it is myself, despite some small bruising. It still feels a little hard and numb, but I haven't lost any feeling in the area. It is slightly tender to touch and still feels hard/swollen.
After all my worrying about the "bullfrog" effect and other side effects, this has been a breeze.
(The photos are from 48 hours post.)

Updated on 11 Jan 2017:
Just going to post this here for anyone who is looking for more information on risks and side effects. This is what I received from my doctor before the procedure. Don't worry, I pointed out the typos ... lol

Updated on 13 Jan 2017:
One week post
Comparison photos from before and one week post
Comparison photos from before, 48 hours post and 1 week post
Almost back to baseline, a little swelling and numbness left as well as a hard but jiggly mass just under the chin to the Adam's apple area
No complaints if I see results at the end of this!

Updated on 24 Jan 2017:
It's now been two weeks since my first treatment and there hasn't been much change although I'm pretty much back to baseline. There's still a small patch right under my chin that is still hard and/or swollen. It really has been a cakewalk for me. Hopefully I'll see you a little bit of results before my second treatment in four more weeks, although I'm not holding my breath as my doctor advised that I just may start to see results before my second treatment and good results about three months post after the second treatment. I am, however, noticing a little definition directly under my chin at this time. Not so much on the side profile yet though.