Send to a friend

News

Botox rules? - 9 May 2007

Despite being one of the most oft-used treatments in the cosmetic enhancement sector, Botox has not been brought under the same stringent regulations that surgical procedures are subject to.

Back in 2005, the Expert Working Group recommended that ‘non-invasive’ procedures such as Botox should be regulated by the Healthcare Commission to improve safety and standards in the same way that full-blown cosmetic surgery is. However, in recent developments, the Government has stopped short of issuing tighter controls on the administration of Botox and dermal fillers, and instead, has called for the industry to regulate itself.

Health Minister Lord Hunt said: “Cosmetic surgery providers have shown real commitment to improving levels of quality and safety in this area and so I have decided to ask the industry to take the lead in further improving standards.”

The Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS) will now set out a scheme of self-regulation for the sector to follow. Following this, a review will take place into how adequately the industry is ensuring levels of safety.

Many industry and consumer bodies have expressed concerns that these measures do not go far enough to protect the patient. Under current rules, almost anyone can give Botox injections, and the trend for ‘Botox parties’, where treatments are combined with the consumption of alcohol, add fuel to the debate.


Source: BBC, Daily Mail

 

Related Articles


Browse our articles written by leading industry experts:

Overseas Property Buying Guides

UK Property Guides

Gardens and Interiors

Cosmetic Surgery Fact Sheets

Looking Good Guides

Money

Business

Community

Travel