Getting older can take its toll on your emotional wellness, which is why more and more people are turning to cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections, in an attempt to turn back the clock. But are they safe?
Professor Simon Kay, a consultant plastic surgeon and member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), explains, ‘Non-surgical procedures usually involve injections of either fillers or botulinum toxin, and carry less serious risks than surgery in general. However, over-correction can be difficult to treat, as can asymmetrical placement of the filler and allergic reactions.’ He adds, ‘Risks can be minimised by choosing a reputable surgeon or an established nurse practitioner who is working in a clinical environment.’
Before you get any cosmetic procedure, there are certain things to consider. According to Sally Taber, who manages the Standards and Training principles for TYCT, ‘There’s no doubt that injectable cosmetics are extremely popular. However, a rapidly growing market such as this often leads to opportunities for bad practice. We urge everyone to think about their safety when choosing a practitioner. By following our five-point checklist, you can ensure you’re in the best possible hands and look forward to seeing the results.’ So, what’s on this essential checklist?
1. Are they qualified? It’s important to check out your practitioner’s credentials, as only regulated doctors, dentists and registered nurses are appropriately qualified to give injectable cosmetic treatment. You don’t want someone injecting chemicals into your face if they don’t know what they’re doing!
2. What’s their title? If the practitioner’s title is something unusual or unrecognisable, like “Advanced Aesthetic Practitioner/Therapist,” that should raise a red flag right there. When you’re checking out the qualifications of the practice, you need to make sure that the title of doctor, dentist or registered nurse actually applies to the person who is holding the needle.
3. Have they had the appropriate training? In order to give injectable cosmetic treatments, practitioners need training in a variety of areas – after all, this is your anti-ageing wellness we’re talking about. Not only do practitioners need to be adequately trained on carrying out the procedure itself, but they should know how to proceed in the case of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and other adverse reactions to treatment.
4. Is the location appropriate for clinical treatments? Even though Botox and dermal fillers are technically beauty treatments, that doesn’t mean they should be carried out in a beautician’s. These are clinical procedures and, as such, should only be carried out in a clean, safe and appropriate clinical environment. Otherwise, you may be putting your wellbeing at risk of infection and even permanent physical damage. Avoid treatments that take place in a home setting or, for example, in a nail bar or tattoo parlour, but rather opt for a clinical facility.
5. Where has the substance been bought? You can only get Botox on prescription but dermal fillers are not currently subjected to such regulation in the UK, and can be bought in various outlets, as well as online. This is technically legal, but TYCT strongly urges caution when you’re dealing with cosmetic injectables, as you should be extremely careful when injecting things into your face. In the wrong hands, dermal fillers can be dangerous and can even cause permanent damage. Therefore, TYCT recommends that you do not buy cosmetic injectables from the internet.
If you do proceed with Botox or dermal fillers and then start to feel unwell, it’s important to get medical help as soon as possible. Professor Kay warns, ‘The first priority is health. If you have any alarming symptoms, such as a rash, fever, inflammation or increasing pain, go to your GP or your local accident and emergency (A&E) department. Less urgent problems should be dealt with by the practitioner who administered the substance or treatment. Your GP only needs to be involved if that avenue fails to resolve the issue.’
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