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Government 'bottle out' of Botox regulationsDate: 26/04/2007 10:16:57
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The government has been accused of 'bottling' out of increased safety measures for the use of Botox, it has emerged.
Fears that the number of beauty clinics offering Botox treatments could spiral out of control, prompted the Expert Working Group on Cosmetic Surgery in 2005 to recommend that its use should be monitored by the Healthcare Commission.
But now MPs have backed down on this, stating that the cosmetic surgery industry should crack down on regulating the product itself.
The news comes after medical experts became concerned with the unregulated use of the drug, popular as an aesthetic filler for wrinkles and lips, at champagne fuelled 'Botox parties', where women were reportedly being offered 'buy on get one free' offers on jabs.
Dr Andrew Vallance Owen, of Bupa, said the International Healthcare Advisory Services had put pressure on the government for the past two years for increased regulation to be implemented.
He warned: "Botox is a prescription-only medicine and safety should be paramount. If things go wrong, some patients could be left scarred, physically or psychologically, for life.
"As it stands, almost anyone can set up shop in the high street, don a white coat and start offering dermal fillers or arranging Botox parties. If we, the industry, don't step in, these procedures will be less regulated than ear piercing."
However health minister Lord Hunt commented: "We do not completely rule out the introduction of statutory regulation should it become necessary in the future."
 © Adfero Ltd
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