A new study suggests that 79% of patients who receive anti-wrinkle treatment in Britain experience side effects following BOTOX or other botulinum toxin injections.
Issues ranged from mild and short term headaches to anxiety, brain fog and even panic attacks.
The study, which was published in the journal “Skin Health and Disease,” highlighted that Botox is increasingly being carried out by unqualified practitioners.
Authors concluded:
“This is the largest survey in the UK completed by patients who experienced an adverse outcome following the aesthetic administration of Botulinum Toxin. Our study highlights the extent of the challenges faced by patients who experience an adverse event from physical, emotional, psychological, and financial perspectives. The lack of awareness of MHRA reporting structures and the lack of regulation within the UK’s cosmetic injectables sector represent a significant public health challenge.”
Botox regulations UK
84% of respondents in the survey stated that they do not know who regulates the aesthetics industry. In fact, there are no legal requirements for who can administer Botox in Britain. Anybody can carry out injections and there are no requirements for qualifications, training or registration.
Naturally there are no official statistics, but it is estimated that up to half of all Botox treatments are performed by people who are not doctors or nurses.
In the survey, nearly 15% of respondents had been treated by a beautician and one said they’d had Botox done in a supermarket.
The study’s findings have raised concerns about the safety of Botox treatment in Britain. They also highlight the importance of only having Botox injections performed by a qualified and trustworthy medical professional. Read the study in full at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ski2.265#
This is not the first report to highlight the need for better control of Botox injections. The ‘Keogh report’ in 2013 made a series of observations and recommendations https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-the-regulation-of-cosmetic-interventions and there have been other reports and studies to support the establishment of regulations. It is hoped that the consultations will legislation will change quickly.
In February 2022, the government announced that it would be amending the Health and Care bill to give the Health Secretary powers that would enable a licensing regime to be introduced in order to regulate cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers and Botox.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
“We are now taking forward work to introduce a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England, which will strengthen oversight of practitioners and businesses providing these treatments and make it an offence for anyone to carry out specified non-surgical procedures without a licence. We will be consulting on the scope of the licensing scheme over the summer.”
The licensing scheme is expected to establish minimum standards for practitioners and premises where injectable cosmetic treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers are offered:
- Those carrying out non-surgical cosmetic procedures will have to meet criteria (i.e. qualifications, registration)
- Premises will have to meet hygiene and safety standards
- Official reporting is expected so that trends and problems can be identified
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 over 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.
