08/02/2020
We do not yet have legislation in the UK to prevent non-medical professionals from delivering injectable cosmetic treatments. But, this does not mean the government or the medical community find it acceptable for non-medical professionals to perform toxin and filler injections.
Botox and other branded muscle-freezing toxins such as Vistabel (the UK brand name for Botox), Azzulure and Bocouture are classed as prescription-only medicine.
Prescribing professionals are now required to have a face-to-face consultation with the patient before treatment can begin. The practise known as ‘remote prescribing’ is not acceptable and is illegal.
Injectable treatments may be ‘non-surgical’, but they involve a medical procedure and are not just a beauty treatment. Dermal filler injections are not superficial skin treatments, they are needle injections that pe*****te the skin to a depth that increases the risk of complications.
Doctors, dentists, and nurses learn how to safely administer dermal injections as part of their medical training. Though Beauty Therapy NVQs may include some information on anatomy and skin structure, you do not have practical lessons in medical procedures and how to handle complications. Medical professionals are taught how to use needles and cannulas safely, they are also taught about how to deal with problems that may arise from allergic reactions, infection, or an error by the injector.
Would you feel completely comfortable having a tooth extracted by a beauty therapist who had learned that one procedure and had observed dentists performing it, but had no other medical training? Or would you prefer a qualified dentist to do it? It’s not about doctors thinking they are more superior and skilled than therapists, it’s simply about what each has been trained to do, and the risk they could pose to a patient. It’s not illegal for beauty therapists to perform filler injections, it’s just not a good idea in terms of patient safety
Insurance policies cover you for legal fees and damages, but reputable cosmetic insurers will only provide cover for medical professionals such as doctors, nurses and dentists to administer toxin and filler injections.