Dr Hilary Jones has joined forces with Baroness Trish Morris of Bolton, Chair of TreatmentsYouCanTrust.org.uk to launch a new safer injectables campaign.
Launching ahead of the peak period for cosmetic injectable treatments, traditionally the months leading up to Christmas and New Year, the campaign aims to advise consumers on the best and safest approach to Botox and dermal fillers whilst the review of cosmetic procedures, led by Sir Bruce Keogh, awaits conclusion.
With over 1,500,000 injectable treatments conducted this year, and set to rise further in 2013, TreatmentsYouCanTrust.org.uk warns patients are at an increasing risk from accepting treatment from providers with no medical background or appropriate level of training practising in unsafe and unhygienic environments.
Dr Hilary Jones said: “With the review of cosmetic procedures led by Sir Bruce Keogh underway, consumers are understandably confused on the safest approach for injectable treatments. Whilst Botox and dermal fillers are non-surgical they are medical procedures and should only be administered by regulated and appropriately trained Doctors, Dentists and Registered Nurses. The ABC’s of safe injectables are simple for consumers to follow to help avoid the known risks associated with treatment by unqualified providers in unsanitary environments.”
The safer injectable campaigns launches the ABC’s of safe injectables urging consumers to ‘Always Background Check’ their provider and know how to spot and avoid bad practice:
Always (A) Background (B) Check (C) the following:
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What to expect… |
What to reject… |
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Provider |
A regulated Doctor, Dentist or Registered Nurse - Visit www.TreatmentsYouCanTrust.org.uk |
Provider unable to demonstrate a medical or clinical background e.g. beauty therapists, nail technicians |
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Environment |
An hygienic, clean and clinical environment |
Treatment in a domestic setting, beauty salon or even a garden shed! |
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Training |
Have completed a certified medical or clinical training to safely administer injectable treatments |
Anyone who has attended a one day training course |
Baroness Trish Morris, Chair of the Treatments You Can Trust Governance Group, says: “It is imperative that patients are made aware that beauty therapists are not appropriately qualified by the very nature of their non-medical training to administer injectable treatments including Botox®. Whilst there are calls from within the beauty industry for the review to recognise therapists as appropriately qualified injectable providers, such a move would be totally inappropriate. Beauty therapists provide an important role and excellent service for beauty treatments however the outcome of the review must safeguard patient safety for medical procedures including injectables.”
To help stamp out poor standards, the campaign also encourages the public to report bad practice and inappropriate adverts, with the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MRHA) Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) both stating Botox® should not be advertised to the public, at www.TreatmentsYouCanTrust.org.uk/saferinjectables .
Sally Taber, Director of the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services which manages TreatmentsYouCanTrust.org.uk said: “As we await the conclusion of the Government led review into cosmetic procedures, it is critical that consumers do not put their safety on hold. By following the ABC’s of safe injectables, consumers can take steps to safeguard themselves from treatment by unqualified providers. We also urge the public to come forward and report bad practice in their area so we can work towards stamping out poor standards in the industry for good.”
Tagged in Cosmetic Surgery Dr Hilary Jones