Research suggests that nearly four in five Brits experience adverse side effects from anti-wrinkle injections, such as Botox. These side effects can include headaches, pain, dizziness, and brain fog. The findings, from a survey of over 500 patients conducted by experts at University College London, highlight the risks associated with the booming Botox industry in Britain.
Contrary to official statistics from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which suggest that these injections are safe, the study challenges widely-held assumptions. The MHRA recorded only 188 adverse effects from botulinum toxin between 1991 and 2020. However, Patient Safety Advocate Dawn Knight, one of the authors of the research, believes that this data merely scratches the surface.
Currently, aesthetic practitioners in the UK are not required to have any mandatory qualifications. This means that anyone who completes a training course can administer Botox treatments, although the drug itself must still be prescribed by a qualified medical professional. Last year, the government pledged to crack down on unregulated cosmetic procedures and introduce a license for treatments like Botox and fillers.
Botox injections are used to relax facial muscles and reduce wrinkles. The effects typically last around three months. The cost of Botox injections in the UK can range from £100 to £350 per treatment, depending on the clinic and the treated area. While cosmetic Botox injections are not available on the NHS, they can be used to treat medical conditions such as abnormal contractions of the eye, muscle pain and stiffness, and excessive sweating.
The survey conducted by UCL researchers revealed that anxiety was the most commonly reported problem among the surveyed patients, with 85 individuals claiming to have suffered from it following the injection. Other common side effects included pain, headaches, migraines, panic attacks, dizziness, and brain fog. Overall, 79% of patients reported experiencing side effects. Some participants also reported more serious conditions like Postural Tachycardia Syndrome.
The study also highlighted the lack of regulation in the Botox industry. Approximately 25% of injections were administered by non-doctors and nurses, with beauticians being the third most popular choice. Only half of the patients had their injections in aesthetics clinics, with others receiving them in places like spas, workplaces, or homes. Additionally, nearly all participants reported that their injectors did not provide information on how to report potential side effects to the MHRA.
The survey indicated financial losses for patients due to side effects, including missed work and additional treatment expenses. These findings suggest that the negative impact of Britain’s flawed Botox industry is largely underestimated and overlooked. Patient safety advocate Dawn Knight urges the government to take action to regulate the industry, including requiring Botox providers to report adverse reactions to the patient’s GP. She also warns against illegal Botox ads that lure individuals without adequately informing them about the risks involved.
Flouting rules, Botox, like other prescription-only medications, is prohibited from being advertised to the public. Violation of these regulations can lead to fines and imprisonment. Knight emphasizes the importance of official reporting to identify wider trends and underlying causes of reported side effects. Without effective regulation, the industry remains blind to potential harm caused by specific practitioners, products, or techniques.
In conclusion, the study exposes the risks associated with the Botox industry in Britain and highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations to protect patient safety.
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