Botox Treatments Un-Regulated

26-04-2007 10:45

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

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