Demand for injectable treatments such as botulinum toxin (BOTOX®) or dermal fillers remains high after lockdown eased, but one practitioner is warning patients against ‘cosmetic treatment parties’.
Dr John Tanqueray, former GP and founder of Mulberry House Clinic, explains:
“Despite warnings in the media and statements by industry bodies, there are still reports of ‘BOTOX parties’ being held.
“A BOTOX party is where a number of clients can gather in one place – normally a house but sometimes a salon or clinic – to have cosmetic treatments done with friends. Often alcohol is served to make the atmosphere more ‘fun’ and along with peer pressure, that can be quite conducive to easing clients into going ahead with more treatment.
“Prices can be attractive based on a number of people attending. Yet low prices may also reflect a practitioner who lacks medical qualifications and specialist training in cosmetic treatments.
“Given the industry body guidelines and media coverage, there are few, if any, reputable, medically qualified practitioners who would offer treatments in this way.”
Major healthcare organisations have spoken out about such activities, yet it appears that these events still go ahead, even though it is very much frowned upon by medical experts.
Indeed, it is quite surprising that legislation allows the practice to continue at all; yet while there are various constraints precluding advertising BOTOX treatment and requiring a face to face consultation for prescription, the law doesn’t yet prohibit the practice itself.
Treatments don’t need to be held in a registered clinic, which means that they can be held anywhere, including homes, hair salons, nail bars, gyms and spas.
What about aftercare?
Dr Tanqueray explains:
“One of the greatest concerns is that if something goes wrong, therapists and beauticians who are not medically trained lack the knowledge and experience to handle things if something happens to go wrong.
“We do hear stories of aftercare being non-existent, leaving clients distraught and forced to turn to other providers or even the NHS in case of emergency; as the person who injected them has simply disappeared.
“Insurance can also be an issue. Major insurers often have a clause excluding BOTOX® parties, although unregulated practitioners may not be insured at all.”
Is BOTOX® Safe?
In the right, medically trained hands and performed within a clinic setting, botulinum toxin is a safe treatment, but it is not without risks. A good practitioner will ensure that the patient is fully aware of the potential side effects as well as the benefits. They will administer injections safely and carefully and provide aftercare for any issues should they occur.
Are dermal fillers safe?
There are actually more potential complications from dermal fillers than with BOTOX®. A good practitioner will explain all the potential risks as well as benefits. As a proportion of treatments carried out, numbers of issues are very low. A good practitioner should also reduce risks through excellent injecting and be available for any post-treatment aftercare as required.
Clinic environment
It is not illegal to carry out cosmetic treatments in non-clinic environments; but fundamentally, a medical clinic with a medically qualified and experienced injector is the safest way to have injectable treatments.
For more information about Download Dr John Tanqueray’s Guide To Choosing Your Treatment Provider – free report encompassing ‘How to achieve value for money and natural results from a non-surgical treatment provider’ with advice on how to proceed safely and sensibly.
Northamptonshire Cosmetic Treatments Doctor
Dr John Tanqueray MB BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DipOccMed BCAM is a former GP who has been working in the cosmetic treatments industry for over 18 years.
He established Mulberry House Clinic in 2003 and the company has an excellent reputation for providing the best medical advice, putting patient safety above all other concerns.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with vast experience of the industry. Cosmetic skin treatments are carried out by Dr John Tanqueray, who works closely with leading manufacturers to remain at the forefront of the medical aesthetics.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
