Regulator warns against undergoing procedures at so-called Botox parties

Scotland's regulator of private health clinics has issued a warning about the dangers of so-called Botox parties.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) is urging against undergoing treatment at social gatherings organised with unregulated providers such as beauticians where alcohol is being consumed.

HIS said important decisions regarding health and wellbeing can be "seriously impaired" by the consumption of alcohol.

The regulator is also advising that cosmetic treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers and slimming jabs should only be administered by recognised healthcare professionals.

All private clinics, hospitals and hospices where services are provided by healthcare professionals are legally required to be registered with HIS.

Eddie Docherty, director of quality assurance and regulation at HIS, said: "Having a cosmetic treatment is a serious undertaking that should only be entered into with due consideration of the very real risks to an individual's health and safety.

"Bringing together the injecting of Botox, alcohol and a party atmosphere reduces people's judgement, and their ability to properly provide consent and consider the real risks.

"No clinic regulated by us, and run by a healthcare professional, would be permitted to run Botox parties as an appropriate environment to provide such a treatment."

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Those considering undergoing a cosmetic procedure are being urged to put their care into the hands of experienced professionals.

Mr Docherty also highlighted that Botox from a beautician could be imported from overseas and not authorised for use in the UK.

He added: "Only a trained and experienced healthcare professional should administer Botox, acquired through a registered pharmacist, as they can access it legally, understand the physiology of the face in order to administer it correctly, and have ready access to effective medicines if something goes wrong.

"People should always check that a clinic is registered with HIS before undertaking treatments."