Botox or Faux-tox: 84% Don’t Know the What They’re Injecting

If you’re injecting chemicals into your face, you’d think that knowing exactly what those chemicals are would be high on your list of priorities. However, according to a new study, the majority of youth-seekers are now furrowing their brows – which can’t be good for wrinkles – as 84% of patients have no idea whether their line smoothing treatment is Botox or Faux-tox.

 

While 67% of those surveyed by Transform Cosmetic Surgery researchers claimed that they were aware of wrinkle-smoorthing toxin treatments, 84% had no idea which one had been administered to them. In fact, when this same group of individuals were asked which products they knew of, they were only able to name Botox. However, this isn’t even the most worrying outcome of the investigation, as the research also revealed that more than a third of practitioners failed to tell patients which brand they were receiving. Even the ones that did aren’t shining examples of anti-ageing wellness, as just 20% explained the differences between the products and gave patients sufficient knowledge to choose the right product for them.

 

The research – which is part of a Transform campaign to raise awareness about the specifics of such treatments – also showed, perhaps somewhat sadly, that 67% of people would think having treatment showed that their partner cared about their looks. And it’s not just women who want to turn back the clock; now 90% think line smoothing treatments are no longer just for the girls. In a similar vein, what other people think was a big factor involved in choosing a practitioner, with, worryingly, more than half of those who undergo line-smoothing treatments doing so based on a friend’s or colleague’s recommendation.

 

On the face of it – no pun intended – this seems like a good idea as you know exactly what you’re getting. However, this may end up perpetuating the cycle of ignorance. After all, if the provider misinformed or didn’t advise your friend, you were probably given the same (lack of) information. And if practitioners are indeed not giving the advice they should, it’s really no wonder that 40% of patients are being given this prescription-only medicine in a non-clinical environment, while 4% are buying toxins over the internet!

 

According to Patricia Dunion, Managing Director at Transform, ‘As part of our CLEAR Patient Charter and in support of current reviews into the regulation of cosmetic surgery, we were keen to raise awareness of misconceptions around line & wrinkle treatments. Patients need to be better educated and armed with information they need to make the choices that are right for them. The findings, while worrying, haven’t come as a surprise to us as we have long suspected a lack of understanding and knowledge; perhaps exacerbated by less than forthcoming information from some practitioners. We hope that in highlighting this, consumers who wish to undergo non-surgical treatment for lines and wrinkles will ask better questions of their practitioner, and themselves if they are seeing a great “deal”, or a lower than usual price. At Transform, treatment may cost a little more, but it’s always conducted in a clinical environment, by medical staff using household named products.’

 

Dr Hilary Jones, an independent member of Transform’s Clear Panel, commented, ‘Informed consent is vital for any medical procedure and cosmetic interventions such as anti-wrinkle injections are no exception. It is essential that each patient understands exactly which product is being injected into their body and whether the brand of botulinum toxin used meets stringent standards of quality efficacy and above all safety, and has an enduring and proven track record. If someone is offered Botox specifically for example that is exactly what they should be given and nothing else.’

Categories: botox, clinical environment, cosmetic surgery, faux tox, Injecting, line smoothing, nbsp, Patients, raise awareness, smoothing treatments, transform

Saving Face: Your Five-Point Checklist for Injectables

Getting older can take its toll on your emotional wellness, which is why more and more people are turning to cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections, in an attempt to turn back the clock. But are they safe?

 

Professor Simon Kay, a consultant plastic surgeon and member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), explains, ‘Non-surgical procedures usually involve injections of either fillers or botulinum toxin, and carry less serious risks than surgery in general. However, over-correction can be difficult to treat, as can asymmetrical placement of the filler and allergic reactions.’ He adds, ‘Risks can be minimised by choosing a reputable surgeon or an established nurse practitioner who is working in a clinical environment.’

 

Before you get any cosmetic procedure, there are certain things to consider. According to Sally Taber, who manages the Standards and Training principles for TYCT, ‘There’s no doubt that injectable cosmetics are extremely popular. However, a rapidly growing market such as this often leads to opportunities for bad practice. We urge everyone to think about their safety when choosing a practitioner. By following our five-point checklist, you can ensure you’re in the best possible hands and look forward to seeing the results.’ So, what’s on this essential checklist?

 

1. Are they qualified? It’s important to check out your practitioner’s credentials, as only regulated doctors, dentists and registered nurses are appropriately qualified to give injectable cosmetic treatment. You don’t want someone injecting chemicals into your face if they don’t know what they’re doing!

 

2. What’s their title? If the practitioner’s title is something unusual or unrecognisable, like “Advanced Aesthetic Practitioner/Therapist,” that should raise a red flag right there. When you’re checking out the qualifications of the practice, you need to make sure that the title of doctor, dentist or registered nurse actually applies to the person who is holding the needle.

 

3. Have they had the appropriate training? In order to give injectable cosmetic treatments, practitioners need training in a variety of areas – after all, this is your anti-ageing wellness we’re talking about. Not only do practitioners need to be adequately trained on carrying out the procedure itself, but they should know how to proceed in the case of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and other adverse reactions to treatment.

 

4. Is the location appropriate for clinical treatments? Even though Botox and dermal fillers are technically beauty treatments, that doesn’t mean they should be carried out in a beautician’s. These are clinical procedures and, as such, should only be carried out in a clean, safe and appropriate clinical environment. Otherwise, you may be putting your wellbeing at risk of infection and even permanent physical damage. Avoid treatments that take place in a home setting or, for example, in a nail bar or tattoo parlour, but rather opt for a clinical facility.

 

5. Where has the substance been bought? You can only get Botox on prescription but dermal fillers are not currently subjected to such regulation in the UK, and can be bought in various outlets, as well as online. This is technically legal, but TYCT strongly urges caution when you’re dealing with cosmetic injectables, as you should be extremely careful when injecting things into your face. In the wrong hands, dermal fillers can be dangerous and can even cause permanent damage. Therefore, TYCT recommends that you do not buy cosmetic injectables from the internet.

 

If you do proceed with Botox or dermal fillers and then start to feel unwell, it’s important to get medical help as soon as possible. Professor Kay warns, ‘The first priority is health. If you have any alarming symptoms, such as a rash, fever, inflammation or increasing pain, go to your GP or your local accident and emergency (A&E) department. Less urgent problems should be dealt with by the practitioner who administered the substance or treatment. Your GP only needs to be involved if that avenue fails to resolve the issue.’

Categories: allergic reactions, checklist, clinical environment, cosmetic, cosmetic injectables, Dermal Fillers, injectable cosmetic, Injectables, nbsp, point checklist, practitioner, Safety