Teenagers as young as 15 are increasingly turning to charities for assistance following poorly administered Botox and filler treatments. According to Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), there has been a significant rise in complaints regarding cosmetic procedures, prompting calls for stricter regulations in this area.
In the past two years, ADS has reported receiving 430 complaints, which collectively cost consumers approximately £192,000. These figures were presented to the Scottish Parliament as part of ongoing discussions about proposed legislation aimed at protecting young people from potentially harmful cosmetic treatments. The Scottish government is considering making non-surgical cosmetic procedures illegal for individuals under 18 years of age and requiring all such treatments to be carried out in approved facilities.
Jillian Edmund, project lead at ADS, expressed concern about the growing number of young patients facing adverse effects from these procedures. In the charity’s submission to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, it was noted that some practitioners have been found administering Botox and dermal fillers to customers as young as 15. There are alarming reports of treatments taking place in unregulated settings, including private homes and public spaces.
“Some of the stories we’ve heard are shocking,” Edmund stated. “One case involved a young person who paid £725 for a procedure and was upsold on additional fillers they did not request. After the treatment, they experienced extreme swelling and fluid pooling under their eyes. When they sought help, the practitioner dismissed their condition as an allergic reaction.”
Despite experiencing considerable pain and spending time and money on the procedure, many victims find it difficult to hold practitioners accountable due to a lack of formal complaint mechanisms. ADS highlighted the absence of a robust industry-wide system for addressing complaints and ensuring consumer protection.
While ADS supports the proposed legislation, the charity is advocating for further strengthening of the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill. The organization believes that additional public awareness campaigns and guidance for parents and guardians are essential to safeguard young individuals and first-time patients who may be influenced by social media trends.
Consumer Scotland has also echoed ADS’s call for tighter safeguards within the legislation. A spokesperson for the Scottish government stated, “It is vital we see safe standards across this industry. Our aim is to ensure there is robust and proportionate regulation in place so that anyone who chooses to have non-surgical procedures can do so safely.”
The ongoing discussion reflects a growing concern over the regulation of cosmetic procedures, particularly as the popularity of such treatments continues to rise among younger demographics. As Scotland grapples with these challenges, the proposed legislative changes may be a pivotal step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, especially its youth.
