CLEVELAND -- A cosmetologist is under investigation after over 60 women have come forward complaining about his treatment.

5 On Your Side Investigator Ron Regan reported that several women have spoken out about the treatment, saying it was a highly invasive procedure -- far outside of the scope of his practice. Prosecutors said that the man also led clients to believe he was a doctor.

"I would say it was an invasive procedure. There were needles and there was bleeding," said one patient.

Prosecutors said Richard Annabella ran the BellaDerm clinic in Westlake. They said state regulators have already found that Annabella was operating outside the scope of the practice of cosmetologists and is now under investigation on suspicion of practicing medicine without a license.

"I make people feel better about themselves, the way I have all my life. I'm a cosmetologist and I have never been anything but a cosmetologist," said Annabella.

As his investigation continues, he has requested a hearing in Columbus on the matter on Friday, Nov. 9.

A NewsChannel5 On Your Side investigation recently gathered together dozens of women who said the weight-loss technique they received from Annabella involved a roller filled with needles. Every single woman who talked to NewsChannel5 said the treatment did not work.

"He described the misotherapy procedure and I actually referred to him as doctor," said Sharon Kovacs, a former patient who also said Annabella never remedied the failed procedure.

NewsChannel5's investigation has resulted in tens of thousands of dollars being credited back to women who were billed for questionable procedures.

"With you guys standing behind it and going full force with it and knowing I could count on you, it was terrific. It was absolutely terrific. Somebody cares, somebody listens," said Lil Kavasaf, another former patient.

Many of the women who signed up for the so-called treatments relied on a line of credit called "Credit Care" to pay. NewsChannel5 worked with the company to credit those accounts, in some cases returning anywhere from $3,000 to as much as $6,000.

Regan will cover Richard Annabella's hearing on Nov. 9 and report the results live at NewsChannel5 at 6 p.m.