BABTAC comments on the dangers of ‘injectable parties’

Last week, Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) shared their concerns on the growing number of ‘injectable parties’ and the huge risk involved for consumers.

 The parties see groups of friends gathering in a social setting to undergo injectable treatments, such as anti-wrinkle injections, sometimes even with alcohol involved. Worryingly, the parties are often facilitated by non-medical practitioners who may have little training or experience.

 Commenting on the risks involved and the need for tighter regulation to protect consumers and professionals, see below comment from:

• Lesley Blair MBE, CEO and Chair of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC)

What are the dangers?

Lesley explains, “The rise of injectable parties is extremely concerning. The non-clinical environment, combined with alcohol consumption can hugely increase the risk involved, and the worrying reality is that these parties are an accident waiting to happen.”

 The worry is that the ‘party’ atmosphere reduces people’s judgement and ability to assess and consent to the level of risk involved, in addition to the potential side effects of mixing alcohol with medical ingredients.

 “Cosmetic procedures, especially advanced aesthetics, should be carried out within a clinical environment by a professional who is not only qualified in the treatment but has the appropriate medical qualification to manage any complication if they were to arise” adds Lesley.

Lesley explains the challenge when it comes to regulating these scenarios…

“Unfortunately, a lack of regulation within the industry means that anybody can attend a training course and call themselves a professional, despite having no medical knowledge or experience. This is yet another example of the need for tighter regulation to keep not only consumers safe but to uphold the credibility of our industry.”

 Over the past year, BABTAC has contributed to both the Scottish and British government’s consultation for aesthetics licensing. The consultation aims to work towards tightening the rules and regulation on who can carry out non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

 Don’t take chances when it comes to treatments, warns Lesley…

“You wouldn’t think to get a tooth filling done in your friend’s living room by a stranger, so your face should be treated with the same level of caution.”

Championing tighter regulation is the essential next step…

“Treatments including injectables, filler and wrinkle relaxing treatments have become increasingly popular in recent years, so introducing further regulation is the imperative next step to ensure that the industry remains reputable and most importantly, safe. By benchmarking the industry standard, those who book in for non-surgical procedures would be able to do so with confidence, knowing that they are receiving the highest level of care from a practitioner who is properly trained and qualified.”