From counterfeit Botox to backroom injectors, the world of aesthetics is still a regulatory Wild West. Amy Lamb of AL Medical Aesthetics and Wellness highlights the potential dangers, the red flags and how to protect yourself.
Non-surgical cosmetic treatments are booming. From smoothing wrinkles with botulinum toxin (better known as Botox) to filler tweaks and skin boosters, more people than ever are turning to aesthetics for a confidence boost. But alongside the rise in popularity comes a darker side: unregulated practitioners, counterfeit products and procedures that can put patients at real risk.
The potential hidden dangers
Recent reports from across the UK, including cases in Darlington and County Durham, highlight just how serious the risks can be. People have ended up in NHS care with worrying, botulism-like symptoms after treatments with unverified products. These include drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and severe fatigue.
Behind these cases is a troubling reality. In the UK, there is currently no law stopping anyone from picking up a syringe and calling themselves an aesthetic practitioner. Many of these individuals may have little to no medical training, use products of questionable origin and work in environments that fall far short of basic hygiene standards.
And when things go wrong, they often do not have the knowledge or the prescription-only medication needed to put it right. In cases where filler blocks a blood vessel, for example, skin tissue can die if it is not treated quickly correctly.
What to watch out for
Some of the most concerning practices include:
- Counterfeit products: Suspected fake versions of Botox® have already been linked to adverse reactions in the UK. Genuine products should only ever be sourced through licensed pharmacies.
- Bogus professionals: Self-proclaimed nurses or doctors who are not registered with governing bodies.
- Unsafe settings: From private homes to so-called “Botox parties” with alcohol involved. These environments can be far from safe or sterile.
- Social media myths: Glossy before-and-afters and misleading claims can create false expectations and lure people into risky treatments.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland has gone so far as to call Botox parties “really, really dangerous” and no reputable, regulated clinic would ever host them.
Who you should trust
The safest route is always a qualified medical professional:
- Doctors (GMC-registered)
- Dentists (GDC-registered)
- Nurse prescribers (NMC-registered)
These practitioners understand anatomy, follow strict hygiene protocols and are trained to handle complications. They are also accountable to their regulatory bodies, meaning there is oversight if something goes wrong.
In England, CQC-regulated clinics already meet hospital-level standards of safety. In Scotland, registration with Healthcare Improvement Scotland is a legal requirement. A new licensing scheme is also on the way to bring more consistent rules across the UK.
Protect yourself: simple steps
Before booking any treatment, you can follow these precautions:
- Check the register: Verify your practitioner is listed with the GMC, GDC or NMC.
- Look for accreditation: Registers such as Save Face, which is government-approved, add another layer of reassurance.
- Ask questions: How long have they been practising? How many treatments have they done? Can they show you genuine before-and-after images?
- Expect professionalism: A consultation, consent forms, PPE and a clinical environment are all non-negotiable.
- Avoid parties and living rooms: If it does not feel professional, it may not be safe.
Spot the Signs. Stay Safe.
Did You Know?
Right now, there is still no law stopping non-medics from offering injectable cosmetic treatments such as Botox and fillers in the UK. This lack of regulation is one of the biggest safety concerns in the industry.
Change is on the way. The government has announced a new licensing scheme that will require both practitioners and premises to be licensed. Until those rules come into force, the safest choice is always to choose a medically qualified professional.
Red Flags Checklist
Think twice if you spot any of these before treatment:
- Practitioner is not on a medical register (GMC, GDC or NMC)
- No proof of training or qualifications
- Treatment offered in a hotel room or party setting
- No consultation, consent form or medical history taken
- Risks are glossed over or ignored
- Products look unbranded, unsealed or suspiciously cheap
- Alcohol is involved – no regulated clinic would ever allow this
If any of these warning signs appear, walk away. Your safety is worth more than a cut-price treatment.
Where to go for more advice
- NHS 111: Call if you experience concerning symptoms after treatment.
- MHRA Yellow Card Scheme: Report any adverse reactions.
- Save Face / BCAM / BAMAN: Trusted organisations offering advice on finding safe practitioners.
- AbbVie / Allergan Aesthetics: For questions on product authenticity.
The bottom line? Aesthetic treatments can be safe, effective and confidence-boosting, but only in the right hands. By choosing a qualified, regulated professional and asking the right questions, you can protect your health and avoid the risks that make this industry feel like the Wild West.
Amy Lamb is an NMC Registered Nurse BSc, MSc, NMP, FE.
With more than 20 year’s experience. Amy holds a Specialist Practitioners Degree, Masters in Advanced Practice, is a Nurse Prescriber, and has a Fellowship in Education.
Having trained in 2012 with Harley Medical Amy has continued her professional development by completing extensive practical and theoretical training.
Co-Founder of AL Medical Aesthetics and Wellness which is a CQC Registered Clinic and in it’s 7th year of Save of Face Accreditation. Save Face is the UK’s number 1 Government Approved Register for Medical Aesthetic Treatments.
You can also find Amy and AL Medical Aesthetics and Wellness on The Women’s Health Club Directory.
