11 hours ago
Warning after ‘cheap' Botox from overseas that can cause ‘permanent disfigurement and scarring' discovered in UK salons
Plus, advice for choosing who will do your cosmetic procedure
FACE IT Warning after 'cheap' Botox from overseas that can cause 'permanent disfigurement and scarring' discovered in UK salons
BRITS have been warned to be vigilant when buying "cheap" anti-wrinkle and filler injections after unlicensed products with a "very serious risk of injury" were seized from UK salons.
The 'Botox' products, that had been imported from overseas, couldn't be identified due to insufficient labelling, and pose a risk of permanent disfigurement and scarring.
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The products were seized from five business premises in Rochdale by Rochdale Borough Council
Credit: Getty
Rochdale Borough Council said it had found the unlicensed products at five business premises in the town where Botox and fillers were being advertised.
All related items were seized by the council's public protection team and the businesses were referred to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) which has the power to prosecute.
The products were found as part of routine checks by trading standards and environmental health officers to ensure Botox wasn't being administered to under 18s.
Names of the businesses cannot be revealed at present, but no evidence was found of underage customers being given the cosmetic injections.
According to national statistics, more than 900,000 Botox injections are carried out in the UK each year.
Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader of the council, said: "While there's no issue with wanting to look younger, it's really important you do your homework beforehand with these types of treatment - especially given what our officers found.
"Know who your prescribed is and who will be administering your treatment.
"The unlicensed products we've uncovered potentially posed serous health and safety risks, so it's very important you stay vigilant."
The council also urged anyone considering cosmetic procedures to check what training and experience providers have and what their insurance arrangements are to avoid further potential issues.
And businesses have been reminded about their legal responsibilities in administering Botox and filler by way of injection for cosmetic purposes.
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Botulinum toxin, which is commonly shortened to Botox, is a prescription only medicine in the UK and can only be administered by or under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
This includes doctors, dentists, and nurse or pharmacist prescribers who have completed specific prescribing courses.
In the UK, a face-to-face pre-consultation with a qualified prescriber is now mandatory, following a change in regulations effective from June 1, 2025.
The person giving the injections doesn't have to be the same person who provided the prescription, but the prescriber must ensure the person giving the injections is trained and can do so safely.
It's also important to be aware Botox injections can cause a range of side effects, from common and mild to rare and severe.
Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and pain at the injection site, as well as headaches.
More serious potential side effects include drooping eyelids, crooked smiles, muscle weakness, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Allergic reactions are also possible, although rare.
