Botox risks 'minimised' by visiting reputable private clinics

Botox and other non-surgical cosmetic treatments can be risky if they are carried out by a practitioner who lacks qualifications and experience, an advisory service has warned.

Anamika Bhatt, editor of Looking Good BuyAssociation, said that consumers should avoid so-called 'botox parties' and visit a qualified practitioner instead.

"Non-invasive procedures such as botox may seem like a quick, straightforward option for people wanting to improve their appearance compared to regular cosmetic surgery, but they can carry risks," she advised.

"With the government's recent announcement that no statutory regulation is being introduced in this area, patients must make sure they do their research and go to a practitioner who is fully trained and qualified to carry out the procedure," she added.

Under the current rules, anyone can provide botox injections, according to Ms Bhatt, so it is particularly important to avoid 'botox parties' where people are less likely to be qualified.

Health minister Lord Hunt announced last week that the Department of Health had asked the cosmetic surgery industry to self-regulate, although he added: "We do not completely rule out the introduction of statutory regulation should it become necessary in the future."

© Adfero Ltd