Beware Of The Botox Bandits

The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors has come out in support of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon’s warning to the public to think twice before undergoing non-surgical treatments in non-medical settings such as beauty salons and health spas.

Dr John Curran, chairman of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors has expressed concerns about the lack of government regulation in the cosmetic industry. He says: “The BACD has over 250 qualified doctor members who specialize in the practice of cosmetic medicine. All members are obliged to attend continuing educational forum on a regular basis and demonstrate peer reviewed competence in the core skills of the administration of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers.

He adds; “Members of the medical profession find it ironic that those best qualified to perform cosmetic procedures, ie doctors, are obliged by a strict code of conduct and ethics as laid down by The General Medical Council, whilst a blind eye is turned to the training of non-medics. Patients do need to be careful to establish that medical training has been undertaken and that the doctor is experienced and skilled in the treatment before committing themselves to any procedure.”

Furthermore the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors has recently urged beauty therapists to beware of rogue practitioners offering courses in dermal fillers and anti-ageing injections, without medical training and proper understanding of the risks involved.

“Dermal fillers are perfectly safe when administered by a qualified doctor with an in depth understanding of facial anatomy. It is not adequate to blindly stick a needle in someone’s face with scant knowledge of the potential risks that can include facial necrosis or disfigurement. If dermal fillers are administered in a beauty, spa or hairdressing salon without medical supervision how is a beauty therapist to deal with complications such as anaphylactic shock without resuscitation equipment? We must protect therapists and the public from this alarming development.”

In a recent survey over 50% of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors (that now has over 250 members) has treated patients who have experienced complications at the hands of inexperienced or rogue practitioners.

According to Dr Curran; “The BACD has been credited by a government committee for bringing education and direction to cosmetic dermatology in the UK. We are encouraging all our members to lobby the government. The government needs to turn its attention to the beauty industry and so called “professional” shows so that we can continue to protect practitioners and the public.”

The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement, education and practice of cosmetic dermatology in the UK. Members are GMC registered; undergo thorough background screening, training and certification.

Information about specific procedures and doctors contact details can be found at Cosmeticdoctors.co.uk.