Concerns Over Botched Botox and Fillers

Introduction to the Issue

Teenagers as young as 15 are seeking help after receiving botched Botox treatment and fillers. A charity has reported that it wants tougher restrictions on cosmetic procedures after receiving hundreds of complaints about procedures. The charity has received 430 problem cases in the last two years, leaving customers £192,000 out of pocket.

Proposed Legislation

The government has proposed a bill that would make non-surgical treatments illegal for under-18s and require procedures to be carried out in licensed premises. The charity’s submission to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee said that some doctors are carrying out dermal fillers and Botox injections on clients as young as 15. There have also been reports of some dealers conducting injections from home and public places.

Case Examples

One case involved a person who underwent a treatment worth £725 at a beauty salon. They were sold facial fillers for areas where they hadn’t originally asked for them, and were left with extreme puffiness and fluid buildup under their eyes after the treatment. The doctor claimed it was an allergic reaction and asked the client to take antihistamines. However, when this failed to relieve the swelling, the person paid extra to have some of the filling material dissolved.

Need for Regulation

The lack of a robust, industry-wide grievance or redress system meant that the person’s options were largely limited to informal resolution. The charity wants the Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Assessors Bill to be strengthened to protect consumers. It also aims to run public awareness campaigns and guidance for parents and guardians to protect young people and first-time patients who are influenced by social media trends.

Call for Action

It is shocking to be contacted by people as young as 15 in need of help after being injected with Botox and fillers by unscrupulous doctors. The bill’s protection for under-18s is welcome and essential. Due to a lack of regulation, there is currently a need to deal with the impact of unqualified practitioners operating across the country. The proposed regulations will help address concerns by providing a clear and enforceable framework and determining who is qualified to perform such procedures and under what conditions.

Government Response

The government has stated that it is vital to see safe standards in the industry. That is why legislation has been brought forward to regulate this sector, making it an offense for the provision of non-surgical procedures to anyone under the age of 18. The aim is to ensure there is robust and proportionate regulation so that anyone who chooses to undergo non-surgical procedures can do so safely.