Home / Health / Cosmetic Procedures Harm Rising: Experts Demand Regulation
Cosmetic Procedures Harm Rising: Experts Demand Regulation
12 Mar
Summary
- Non-surgical cosmetic harms, including blindness, are increasing.
- Almost a million botox-like injections occur annually in the UK.
- Many patients need surgery for complications from cosmetic procedures.
Experts are sounding the alarm over increasing harms associated with non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as botox and dermal fillers. A recent review indicates that the distinction between surgical and non-surgical interventions is becoming indistinct, leading to growing patient safety issues. These procedures, including nearly one million botox-like injections annually in the UK, can result in serious side effects like inflammation, vision problems, and nerve damage.
Dermal fillers constitute a large portion of non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the UK, with documented risks extending to skin necrosis and sepsis. Alarmingly, a significant percentage of patients experiencing complications require surgical intervention, such as drainage of abscesses or skin grafts. This underscores the need for enhanced oversight and regulation.
Concerns are amplified by reports of unregulated clinics offering cut-price treatments by unqualified staff, leading to life-changing injuries and even fatalities. The rise of cosmetic surgery tourism, particularly to destinations like Turkey, further complicates patient safety. Experts advocate for all invasive cosmetic procedures to be performed by trained healthcare professionals under statutory control.
