Risky cosmetic fillers in Botox

By Laurentia Bulbuc

Why are so many young people getting botox

Healthcare professionals have raised concerns about the increasing number of unqualified beauticians in Scotland injecting customers with cosmetic treatments, making it the 'worst country in Europe' for such practices. The lack of legislation in the UK to regulate advertising on social media for beauty treatments like dermal fillers has contributed to this alarming trend. Additionally, Scotland does not have a ban on under-18s receiving these treatments, further exacerbating the situation.

In contrast to most other countries where regulations restrict procedures to trained health professionals, the UK allows non-medically qualified individuals to administer cosmetic treatments. A cosmetic nurse has expressed shock and disbelief at this situation, Sabby Anderson stated that colleagues around the world view the UK, particularly Scotland, unfavourably in this regard.

Sabby said: “ Botox injections are typically used for anti-wrinkle treatments, targeting areas like the forehead and around the eyes. As a prescription-only medicine in the UK, Botox should only be administered by qualified medical professionals. However, the accessibility of unlicensed products and the lack of regulation in the beauty industry have created a dangerous environment for unsuspecting customers.”

While England recently made it illegal for individuals under 18 to receive fillers or Botox, Scotland lags in implementing similar restrictions. This has led to a concerning scenario where people from other parts of the UK, such as London, are traveling to Scotland to undergo treatments without age restrictions.

Furthermore, the proliferation of "unlicensed, counterfeit, and unsafe" products posing as Botox in the non-medical sector has raised serious safety concerns. Beauticians are reportedly obtaining unregulated Botox online and administering it in salons and private residences, potentially putting patients at risk. With little enforcement action in place, there is a lack of oversight on the contents and quality of these products.

A lack of legislation surrounding the popular treatments of Botox and cosmetic filler has created a concerning situation where unqualified and unlicensed providers are able to offer these services to paying clients without any restrictions. The absence of regulation means that there is no way to ensure that these providers are using appropriate equipment or products, and they may not even have insurance coverage.

The demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures has experienced a significant increase in recent years, with practitioners advertising these treatments on social media platforms, making them more accessible to individuals of all ages. However, the absence of regulations raises concerns about the safety and efficacy of these procedures.

In recent years, the popularity of dermal filler treatment in Scotland has skyrocketed, with tens of thousands of individuals seeking this procedure annually. Dermal filler treatment involves injecting substances to diminish wrinkles and enhance facial volume, but it is not without its share of risks and hazards. These potential dangers include the alarming possibilities of stroke, blindness, infection, necrosis, and even blocked arteries.

Sabby added: ” The growing demand for dermal filler treatment, it is crucial to address the regulatory aspect of this practice. While certain trained professionals like dentists, registered nurses, and doctors who specialize in cosmetics have to adhere to oversight and regulation, there is a conspicuous absence of any rules or regulations concerning the qualifications, training, or medical authorization required for individuals performing filler injections. Furthermore, there are no restrictions imposed on the premises where these treatments are administered.”

This lack of oversight raises concerns regarding patient safety and the potential for unqualified individuals to perform these delicate procedures. Without proper training and expertise, those administering filler injections may not possess the necessary skills to mitigate risks or handle potential complications that may arise. This situation poses a significant threat to the well-being and overall health of those seeking dermal filler treatment.

Given the potentially severe consequences associated with dermal filler procedures, it is important that regulatory measures be implemented. These measures should not only include mandatory training and medical authorization for practitioners but should also extend to the establishments where these treatments are conducted. By implementing comprehensive and stringent regulations, the risks associated with dermal filler treatment can be mitigated, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals seeking these cosmetic procedures in Scotland.