We’re delighted to see a new law in place to prevent under 18s from having injectable cosmetic treatments in England – hopefully the first step in improving regulation in the market as a whole.
The Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021 commenced 1st October, after being introduced in Parliament and then receiving Royal Assent in April 2021.
The law makes it an offence both to make arrangements for and to actually carry out botulinum toxin (BOTOX® or Bocouture) and dermal fillers for under 18s.
The only exception is for treatments approved by a doctor, then administered by a doctor, nurse, dentist or pharmacist. As such medical professionals are bound by industry bodies and insurance, it is unlikely that this will be any kind of ‘loophole’ for those seeking treatment – more a provision for medical circumstances that may justify use of botulinum toxin; which as well as anti-ageing can also be used to treat severe headaches and sweating.
Businesses or individuals who break the law are liable for an unlimited fine.
Local authorities and the police will be involved in enforcing the law at a local level.
Find details of the legislation at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/19/contents.
Social Media
Ashton Collins is Director of Save Face, who have been campaigning for change in UK legislation for a number of years. She said that reality TV and social media had played a role in making cosmetic injectable treatments appear attractive to the younger clients:
“To most people it seems ludicrous that under-18s would even want these treatments, but the fact is they do and they will go to extreme lengths to get them – they will go to social media to get the cheapest deals.”
Tighter Regulations?
Ethical practitioners welcome the law, but say more needs to be done, as a number of key issues remain that expose clients to risk with unregulated providers:
- There is no legal requirement for any training or qualifications in order to inject either BOTOX (a prescription only medicine) or dermal fillers – literally anybody can legally carry out these injectable treatments
- Dermal fillers are not a prescription-only medicine, so there is less protection for clients
- While a prescription is required for BOTOX®, the treatment itself can be carried out by another person who doesn’t need to have any training
- There is no licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic treatments
- There is no obligation for practitioners to have insurance
- There is a need to tighten up the supply of dermal fillers to protect clients from poor quality/substitute products imported from overseas
Trusted BOTOX & Dermal Fillers Providers
Mulberry House Clinic, Established 2003
Dr John Tanqueray MB BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DipOccMed BCAM, former GP and founder of Mulberry House Clinic, has nearly 20 years of experience in the non-surgical treatments industry and has provided thousands of successful treatments over the years. He has also worked as a trainer, helping other medical professionals to learn the skills and best practice in cosmetic treatments. He works alongside top brand manufacturers on the latest new products.
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.
