NHS medical director, Sir Bruce Keogh, has been conducting a review into the cosmetic industry and is due to report back to the Government some time in March. Despite the recession cosmetic surgery is still becoming more popular. It is more widely available and is no longer only accessible to those with high disposable incomes. However this has led to many under-trained practitioners offering “a quick fix” and the industry is hugely under regulated. Hopefully the review will see some tougher measures in place for the regulation of this booming injury.
Sadly tales of botched cosmetic surgery and people ending up with problems such as “trout pout” are all too common. Presently, people such as beauticians with no medical training can administer anti-wrinkle injections, commonly know as Botox. Many people are surprised that Botox is actually a poison so would you want someone unqualified injecting this into your face?! Sadly many people do and in fact Botox parties have become all the rage.
The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) want to put an end to these Botox parties and unqualified practitioners. They are recommending that only trained nurses, doctors and dentists should be able to provide non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
The worry is that not only is there a high risk of the procedures going wrong, but patients also might not be getting accurate information prior to treatment. The RCS also recommend that anyone planning to have a cosmetic procedure should have a thorough psychological assessment first.
If you are considering Botox or a similar non-invasive procedure you should find out what it involves, what are the risks and how much it should cost. If the deal you have been quoted sounds too good to be true it probably is. Be cautious if you are told that the price will go up if you don’t sign up today. Good reputable practitioners do not use this type of pressurised selling. Do not be afraid to ask about the qualifications and experience of the person carrying out the procedure.
