Surgeons Call for Change in Law as Botched Cosmetic Surgery Rates Rise

The number of botched cosmetic procedures has almost trebled in the past year, sparking surgeons and doctors to call for a change in the law. According to statistics, issues related to anti-wrinkle injections and filler treatments has risen to 931, up from just 378 complaints in 2016.

It’s thought the rise in demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures is partly driven by an increase in celebrity endorsements via social media and has been associated with an increase in unqualified practitioners offering cheap deals for anti-wrinkle injections and fillers online.

While it’s definitely a positive step that choosing to enhance or rejuvenate your looks isn’t such a taboo subject anymore, patients do need to be aware of the dangers of choosing a rogue practitioner. The risks that something could go wrong are much higher when the procedures are carried out by non-medics.

Here we’ll look at the dangers of seeking bargain treatments and why choosing a reliable and respected practitioner or cosmetic clinic is crucial.

Eighty-three percent of procedures carried out by non-medics

Data collected from the government-approved register for accredited practitioners, Save Face, has revealed a staggering 83% of non-surgical cosmetic procedures were carried out by non-medics in the past 12 months. This could certainly explain the accompanying rise in botched procedures.

Why choosing a reliable and respected cosmetic clinic matters

If you’re thinking of having an aesthetic treatment, it’s crucial you choose a reliable and respected clinic or medical practitioner. This is especially true if you are looking to have anti-wrinkle injections or filler treatments. They may be viewed as simple, safe treatments, but as many patients, unfortunately, discover, when performed by the wrong hands, even these minimally invasive procedures can have significant negative consequences.

Anti-wrinkle injections and temporary hyaluronic acid dermal fillers from leading brands have strong safety records and have been extensively tested so the products themselves are typically not at fault. However, both the quality of the results and the patient’s safety can be compromised by poor practitioner choice.

The use of anti-wrinkle injections and fillers requires detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and the products used and good aesthetic judgement. Practitioners performing non-surgical cosmetic treatments should have a medical, dental or nursing training, the relevant specialist training in the use of these products and have significant experience in their use.

Failure to follow these guidelines can lead to poor aesthetic outcomes, with unnatural, strange appearances and permanent damage in some cases, particularly if permanent fillers have been used. Injecting anti-wrinkle injections at the incorrect dose or in the incorrect site can also produce significant complications or a strange appearance.