26-04-2007 10:45
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.
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