Is that illegal Botox in your face? Not sure really…

We recently reported on the scandal of illegal Botox being used in Australia. And now worrying findings in the UK have revealed that more than five in six people who have had Botox treatment admit to having essentially no idea what was injected into their face.

An alarming 84% of Botox patients questioned admitted they didn’t know what product was used on them when they had treatment. Nor did they know for sure whether it even contained the essential ingredient that makes the treatment effective – Botulinum toxin.

Other findings in the national study, carried out by a large cosmetic surgery group, included the fact that nearly a third (29%) of respondents said they had undergone illegal Botox treatment at a local beauty salon, 10% had Botox injections at home or at a friend’s house, and 3% were treated at a Tupperware-style beauty treatment party.

In keeping with these findings, and perhaps most worryingly of all, many of those questioned admitted they had no idea if the person administering their treatment was appropriately trained to perform the procedure.

But amid all these horrifying stats, there is perhaps a little hope on the horizon. Almost two-thirds of respondents (62%) who had either had or considered having non-surgical treatments agreed that the industry was not properly regulated, or that enough was being done to protect people having non-surgical treatments.

Tighter regulation can’t come soon enough.

Who are Cosmetic Courses?

Cosmetic Courses is the UK’s leading and longest established aesthetic training provider developed by Plastic Surgeon Mr Adrian Richards. We have 6 state of the art training clinics across the UK and over 50 online and offline courses available to medical professionals in botox and dermal fillers. Cosmetic Courses have trained over 8000 delegates to date.

To find out more about our aesthetic training courses for medical professionals please click here! 

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Illegal Botox causes Australian health scare

Several patients seeking Botox treatment at a beauty clinic in Perth, Australia were horrified to discover their treatment had been performed by an unregistered nurse using illegally imported Botox.

The revelation came after an investigation carried out in response to a customer complaint. The relevant state department has advised all patients who visited the clinic (Pastel Skin and Body Care) for Botox treatment to contact a public health nurse for a check-up.

They stressed that Botox, or Botulinum Toxin, is a prescription-only medicine, and as such must only be administered by a registered medical professional.

Deputy Chief Health Officer of West Australia, Andrew Robertson, confirmed that the patients given illegal Botox injections had bought their anti-wrinkle treatment via internet shopping sites – the biggest in Australia being cudo.com.au and deals.com.au.

Talking about the problem of tracking down all the people affected, he said: “Where possible, West Australia Health is contacting all of the clinic’s clients who have been given injections, but information on some clients is limited”.

Dr Robertson encouraged all patients who had received Botox treatment at the clinic within the last year – and not received a letter or email from the Health Department – to contact the West Australia Public Health Nurse.

He reiterated that anyone having Botox should ensure that their treatment was being carried out at a licensed clinic by a trained health practitioner – this being the best way to avoid the risk of receiving Botox of unknown provenance, and eliminate the chance of cross-infection.

Cosmetic Courses offers a wide range of accredited aesthetic courses, including Botox training, to registered medical professionals from around the world across of six state of the art training clinics, both online and offline. For information on any of our training courses, please don’t hesitate to email our team at [email protected] or give us a call on 01844 390110.

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UK Approves Botox to Help Stroke Patients

Botox manufacturer Allergan have just announced the latest in a long line of approved uses for the product – treating ankle disability in stroke victims.The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have approved the drug to treat cases of ankle disability caused by the lower limb spasticity for Botox to Help Stroke Patients.

Spasticity is one of the most common after-effects of stroke and can have a far-reaching emotional and physical impact on  sufferers. Lack of mobility often leads to a complete lack of independence, which can in turn breed frustration and, in some cases, depression.

This approval represents a major leap forward, offering healthcare professionals an important new treatment option and providing real hope for patients suffering from lower limb spasticity.

To date, Botox to Help Stroke Patients will be the twelfth indication approved for Botox in the UK.

Professor Anthony Ward of the North Staffordshire Rehabilitation Centre had this to say about the new treatment:

“This is one of the most important advances the post stroke spasticity community has seen for years and will hopefully bring additional recognition to this complex and disabling condition.

“Studies show that Botox treatment can significantly improve the muscle tone in stroke survivors with lower limb spasticity. By allowing the ankle to function more normally, this can bring important mobility and physical benefits to patients, even those who have been suffering from this condition for many years.”

There are currently more than a million stroke survivors in the UK, with around 152,000 new cases every year. Many of these will face huge challenges in the aftermath of their stroke.

Some degree of disability is a common consequence of stroke, with 36% of survivors reporting moderate to very severe disabilities, with problems performing everyday tasks such as walking, washing, getting dressed and eating.

Treatment of lower limb spasticity after stroke currently includes physical therapy, drug treatments and, in some cases, surgery.

Joe Korner, director of External Affairs at the Stroke Association, said of the news:

“There can be significant advantages in using Botox to treat people whose movement and walking ability have been affected by stroke. Up to 30% of stroke survivors are living with muscle stiffness, known as post-stroke spasticity, which means they have abnormal tightness in some of their muscles.

“Whilst this treatment might not be suitable for every stroke patient, we encourage stroke survivors living with spasticity in their arms or legs to talk with their GP about management options that might be right for them.”

Who are Cosmetic Courses?

Cosmetic Courses are the Uk’s longest running aesthetic training provider offering botox and filler courses to medical professionals both online and offline. Find out more here! 

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Advertising Standards Authority targets Botox adverts

Two skin clinics have come under fire by the Advertising Standards Authority – for promoting Botox as a beauty treatment rather than just sticking to factual information.

The ASA have announced a crackdown on the advertising of Botox as a beauty treatment and for making vague yet far-reaching claims. While the injectable is most famously known for its beauty benefits, the fact that it is technically a prescription medicine means it shouldn’t legally be promoted as a beauty treatment.

The types of taglines that the ASA have objected to are phrases which describe Botox in terms such as “revolutionary treatment”, “astonishing results” and having the ability to “erase lines”. Instead, they suggest that advertisers should “stick to the facts”.

It’s not the first time the ASA have stepped in to question advertising practices aimed at beauty. Four years ago they began a crackdown on the amount of airbrushing in adverts. They claimed the way in which extensive photo editing was used created a false image of beauty – one which was unachievable even for the real-life models.

Botox itself is already under review for the way it is administered, with recommendations made by a government committee under Sir Bruce Keogh’s instruction last year.

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First Lady talks health, exercise and Botox

Former first lady, Michelle Obama, talked to American glossy People magazine about staying fit and healthy and looking good, putting exercise and healthy eating at the core of her message. Although she has not undergone plastic surgery or Botox herself she was very open to it and to the fact that people should be free to choose to do it as they please.

Obama is well-known for her toned and strong physique, which she puts primarily down to her exercise routine. She famously works out with her husband every morning; the evidence of which can be seen in both their figures. With her 50th birthday approaching the First Lady looks incredibly good for her age.

When it comes to diet Obama is less strict than she is with her exercise regime although she does makes sure she eats “plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables”. She’s quite right in her belief that strict or obsessive diets tend to be less healthy (and beneficial for weight) than simply eating moderately and a having a nutritionally balanced diet.

Her exercise routine currently consists of heavy cardio and weight training; something she plans to ease off on slightly in favour of yoga-type exercises. Increasing her levels of flexibility will benefit her as she ages she believes, to make sure she “doesn’t break a hip”. It’s these healthy, responsive and controlled lifestyle decisions which help to keep her so healthy and in such great shape.

And while Obama has not yet undertaken plastic surgery or non-invasive procedures such as Botox or Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy at the moment she is not against nor of the mind to tell people that they shouldn’t, she told the magazine.

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17% of Mancunians would have Botox by unqualified practitioners

A Manchester clinic has undertaken research in to consumer opinion, on where and by whom people would undergo non-invasive cosmetic procedures. The results are quite startling – with a sizable minority happy to undergo work by those who are not specifically trained for the task at hand.

On the heels of the Keogh review, whose recommendations are yet to be implemented, many practitioners and clinics are keen to make their credentials clear and to advise those who are looking for treatment that it is always preferable to have it carried out by those uniquely qualified for a specific treatment. What is clear from this group of surveyed participants however is that the general public themselves are worryingly blasé about who treats them.

In the survey 16% admitted they would undertake non-invasive body-sculpting by someone who was not qualified to carry it out. 17% said that they would be happy to have Botox administered or dentist work carried out by someone who was not qualified to do so.

A minority were also unfussy as to where they had the treatments carried out, with a quarter happy to visit a beauty salon for non-invasive treatments and 5% who would be willing to do it at a friend’s house. A similar number would be willing to have their treatment carried out in their own home.

The problem with having procedures carried out by those who are unqualified, and with not being in a clinical environment whilst doing so is not just that the likelihood of things going wrong is greater. If something requires urgent medical assistance then there is no immediate back up for that and the customer will have to seek medical help elsewhere. There is also no accountability if something does go wrong.

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Beautician convicted for fraudulent Botox treatment

A Scarborough-based beautician has been charged for fraudulent Botox whilst showing fake certificates as evidence of her training.

Jamie Winter, 35, has been prosecuted for 5 fraud offences and as a result will have to serve 150 hours unpaid community service – no prison sentence was imposed.

The case came light to light as one of her female patients suffered an adverse reaction and went to the police to report Winter for maltreatment.

No prosecution could be brought for the alleged assault as there was no evidence that the swelling the woman had suffered was a direct result of the Botox. It did lead to the fraud charges however.

The 5 accounts were for treatments given to 10 female and 2 male patients over a period of 18 months, within the Scarborough area. Winter pleaded guilty to these charges. She offered the Botox at a cut rate, having bought it cheaply online from the US and reportedly undergoing minimal online training. After practising on herself and her friends Winter then started to charge for the service and word quickly spread about her discounted rates.

As there is no regulation surrounding Botox treatments it was not her lack of proper training that was the cause for the conviction but rather the simple fact of producing a false certificate, thereby offering the injections on a fraudulent basis.

What the case highlights is the need for regulation of Botox treatments – in particular, regulation surrounding the Botox training carried out by the practitioner – in order to protect the patient.

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Botox’s ever-increasing medicinal repertoire may soon include pain relief for cancer and arthritis sufferers

The positive uses that Botox can have on the body are well known within the medical industry, despite it being most commonly thought of as an anti-ageing cosmetic procedure.

Traditionally (indeed prior to its use as an anti-ageing injectible), it was formulated for and administered to those with eye problems, and has continued to be used in ophthalmology as well as helping to treat other ailments. These include hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), overactive bladders and migraines.

Now though, one university professor has discovered a safe way that botulinum toxin (the full term for Botox) can be used to treat chronic pain, which would be tremendous news for those suffering from pain associated with cancer, arthritis and long-term back pain, for example.

The potential for Botox to be used as pain relief is not in itself a brand new discovery – it works by paralysing nerve endings to stop their usual function, so for example, in the case of wrinkles it freezes their movement and with bladder incontinence it stops the signal to urinate – by the same token it is known that it can suppress pain.

Until now though there was no known way that Botox could be administered without it paralysing the area in question and stopping it from functioning altogether, rather than simply paralysing the pain. But now Professor Bazbek Davle from Sheffield University has discovered a way that it might be used.

He and his research team have discovered that when using part of the botulinum poison and sticking it to extracted poison from the tetanus bug (the ‘friendly’ part of it) it can send signals from the painful area to the spinal chord, thus sending a message to the brain to freeze the pain rather than the area that it is administered to.

So far animal trials have proved positive, with large-scale human trials planned next. If these are successful then the drug could be available on the market within three years. It is not expensive, either – it will cost £1000 annually to produce, meaning that it should be readily available on the NHS. For those who suffer from long-term pain it should be welcome relief, especially as it will also negate the need for daily pill-popping.

Cosmetic Courses offer foundation, advanced and bespoke Botox courses to medical professionals seeking to enter the aesthetic industry. See our list of upcoming courses on our homepage.

 

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Botox reducing obesity

Norwegian PhD student, Helene Johannessen thinks so, and alongside her clinical research team is currently undertaking medical research on laboratory rats to see if Botox could provide a legitimate alternative to costly and invasive gastric surgery. The work they have carried out so far shows promising signs that Botox could help to achieve weight loss in patients suffering with obesity.

They have tested injecting the toxin in to the vagus nerve of the stomach in the rats – this nerve is responsible for triggering hunger and also passing food through to the intestines. Botox works by paralysing this nerve to stop the hunger signal being sent to the brain, therefore Botox reducing obesity.

Over a five week period of receiving Botox injections the rats ate less and lost 20-30% of their body weight. If injections to the vagus nerve work in the same way on humans then it could mark a huge turning point in how obese patients are treated.

Miss Johannessen, who with her team is working for the Experimental Surgery and Pharmacology research project as part of their endeavour to find alternatives to the treatment of obesity, is waiting for approval from medical authorities in Norway before commencing human trials. Talking to Norwegian television channel NRK, she said:

“As a start we will be inviting patients who are candidates for obesity operations but who, for one reason or another cannot undergo one.”

Obesity currently accounts for between 2 and 8% of the global healthcare bill and for 10-13% of all deaths in certain parts of Europe.

Cosmetic Courses are the UK’s leading aesthetic training provider for medical professionals offering foundation, advanced and bespoke Botox training for medical professionals. For information on any of our training courses or to find out our latest course dates, please contact us on 01844 390110 or email [email protected].

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FDA approves Botox for the treatment of crow’s feet

September 11 witnessed new legislation for the use of Botox in the US – it is now legal to administer it to the fine lines around the eyes.

Up to now the Food and Drug Administration had only approved the cosmetic use of Botox for lines across the forehead and between the brows, however doctors have been using Botox in the treatment of lines around the eyes for a number of years.

The approval came after a study led by Allergan, the manufacturer of Botox, into its efficacy as an anti-ageing injectable. In a controlled group of 833 adults one half received Botox injections to the eye area and the other half received placebo injections to the same area. The group that received Botox displayed the most sign of a reduction of wrinkles.

Although Botox was being used by doctors ‘off-record’ in this way, the approval will mean better safeguards and guidelines. Dr Marco Harmaty, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, told CBSnews.com that Botox has been used not only for crow’s feet for a number of years but also other unapproved parts of the face including creases by the side of the nose. However he also added:

“(It) does give you an added benefit and safety of saying that I’m not doing anything illegal or potentially harmful.”

The FDA approved Botox use for lines on the forehead in 2002.

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