The Expert Working Group on Cosmetic Surgery recommended in 2005 that Botox should be monitored by the Healthcare Commission to safeguard patient safety. Now the same body accuse the government of "bottling out" of imposing regulation on how Botox treatments are used.

The government though favors industry self regulation saying it should take the lead on improving safety, and has asked cosmetic surgeons to regulate themselves.

Cosmetic experts said currently anyone could set up shop offering Botox jabs.

Botox - a highly purified and much diluted form of the botulism bacterium which paralyses the muscles has become increasingly popular in the UK as a treatment to smooth out wrinkles.

Dr Vallance-Owen, BUPA medical director and chairman of the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services' Working Group on Cosmetic Surgery, said cosmetic surgeons had called on ministers two years ago to introduce regulations to protect people.

Saying "There is no question that better control of these facilities is needed. "We are talking about invasive procedures. Botox is a prescription-only medicine and patient safety should be paramount. "If things go wrong, some patients could be left scarred physically or psychologically for life. Adding "If we, the industry, don't step in these procedures will be less-regulated than ear-piercing.

Current rules, allow almost anyone to set up shop in the local high street, don a white coat and start offering dermal fillers or arranging Botox parties.

Announcing the plans for industry self-regulation, health minister Lord Hunt said: "Cosmetic surgery providers have shown real commitment to improving levels of quality and safety in this area and so I have decided to ask the industry to take the lead in further improving standards.

The minister staed the scheme would be monitored to check it was working, adding that the Government did not completely rule out the introduction of statutory regulation should it become necessary in the future."

Sally Taber of the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services, the body tasked with producing a set of industry standards, said they were prepared to set up industry standards but they still believed statutory regulation was the best option, whilst Which?, say they were disappointed that the government had "bottled out" of regulation.

Jon Billings, the Healthcare Commission's head of independent healthcare, said it was important that patients had reassurance.

The Commission believe that a system of industry regulation can work and will be working with the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services to support the successful creation of an effective self-regulatory scheme.

In a statement the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons said self-regulation was a "total nonsense" and a way of "passing the buck".

"Botox can be carried out anywhere by anyone with training in giving injections and there is no way you can self regulate because of the diverse groups currently offering treatment."

How Does It Work
Botox blocks the transmission of acetylcholine from the nerves to the muscle so it can no longer retract and it relaxes As a result, the wrinkled areas smooth out and soften The effect wears off after four to six months

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Botox