Hidden Dangers Of Cosmetic Treatment
The Spring/Summer season is in sight. During this time, many people are out and about and there is an elevated focus on personal appearance. This trend increased during the pandemic and does not appear to show any signs of stopping. Also referred to as the ‘Zoom Boom’ in the sector because individuals are using video calls more for work and socialising.
The current landscape concerning cosmetic treatments
The Government is considering plans to protect patients from botched cosmetic procedures and individuals or companies providing Botox or fillers could need a licence under Government plans. Sajid Javid has outlined his commitment to make it an offence to perform such non-surgical work without a licence.
With the prevalence and influence of social media, individuals may find themselves curious about or feeling pressured to consider cosmetic treatments such as botox and filler treatments. There has also been an increase in ‘Doctor Shopping’. This is when patients attempt to find a new doctor after another doctor may have refused to carry out more procedures on them or advised them to wait the appropriate amount of time between treatments. Doctor Shoppers often end up being treated by more unprincipled or inadequately qualified practitioners. It is worth noting Botox and Filler treatments have been banned for those under 18 years of age, yet the perils of ‘Instagram Lips’ remain and the Love Island influence continues to loom.
Although Botox is a regulated substance, there are widespread concerns that unqualified individuals or businesses who do not have the necessary training and expertise, are administering the treatment to patients. A review by the NHS concluded the explosive growth of Botox is putting the public at risk. There has been a rise in a rise in people with no medical background offering treatment after doing as minimal training. Filler can also be legally purchased or injected by anyone in the UK without a license.
Save Face, a national register of accredited practitioners who offer non-surgical cosmetic treatments, receive an average of 20 and 30 reports of rogue practitioners in the UK each week.
Cosmetic treatment complications
Negligent treatment can expose individuals to significant complications such as facial paralysis, infection, ulcers, tissue necrosis, prolonged swelling, allergic reaction, speech problems, blurred/double vision and blindness.
In order to minimise the risk of complications, individuals should carry out their own due diligence to ensure they are seeking cosmetic treatment from properly qualified practitioners. Individuals should ensure they have seen proper evidence of training and qualifications. A reputable treatment provider/clinic will carry out a patch test to test for allergic reactions, ensure they source their botox/filler from a reputable supplier, provide informed consent to individuals explaining all possible risks. Save Face offer a search facility on their website to enable individuals find a reputable treatment provider.
The GMC and NMC, which regulate doctors and nurses, both emphasise that Botox can only be safely prescribed following a consultation in person due to the risk of side effects and need for aftercare. They insist that a thorough examination should be conducted, which would involve carefully examining the skin and feeling the muscles.
Sadly, some individuals can fall prey to treatment providers or companies who administer cosmetic treatment below a reasonable standard because they have been persuaded that they have the relevant expertise and training to do so.
Proving a negligent cosmetic treatment case
In the event you sustain injuries due to negligent cosmetic treatment and it is possible to prove the treatment provider has been negligent, it is important to ensure you retain as much evidence as possible to support your case such as the name of the treating practitioner, their employer and insurance company and policy number if applicable.
It is important you keep proof of payment in respect of the cosmetic treatment received; secure any documentation provided such as consent and advice forms as well as aftercare documents; seek medical advice from a GP or hospital consultant in relation to your injury; take photographs of any visible signs of injury on a regular basis; keep a diary or chronology of events and keep records of any complaints made to the treatment provider as well as their response.
Everyone should be able to freely make safe treatment choices and deserve proper advice, treatment and aftercare.
We represent clients in all aspects of cosmetic injuries caused by negligence and we are happy to provide a bespoke free consultation to discuss any potential legal action.
If you have suffered a cosmetic injury caused by negligence and are seeking expert legal guidance, please contact our Personal Injury solicitors on 0808 271 9413 to discuss your situation further with us, or request a call back online.