Children are crossing the border from England to get Botox and dermal fillers that could disfigure them for life, politicians and campaigners have warned.
A ban on under-18s getting so-called ‘tweakments’ was introduced in England in 2021, but the Scottish Government has yet to impose a similar rule.
Botox is used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing certain muscles, while fillers are gel-like substances that sit under the skin and create the illusion of fullness.
There has been an explosion in demand for the treatments in recent years, fueled in part by social media and reality stars such as Kylie Jenner, who has admitted to lip injections.
But doctors, politicians and campaigners have highlighted the lack of adequate regulation in Scotland and called on the devolved government to clamp down on the world of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in line with England.
Kylie Jenner has helped popularize cosmetic treatments
Lip filler injections and botox have become extremely popular among teenagers
Their desperate plea comes amid reports of youngsters traveling north of the border to get the injections.
West of Scotland MSP Katy Clark has now stepped up pressure on the SNP administration, accusing ministers of leaving young people at risk through inaction.
Ashton Collins, from SaveFace, a UK government-approved register for cosmetic treatments, has raised serious concerns about young people from the north of England breaking the rules by traveling to Scotland to take advantage of the lack of regulations.
He said: “What’s happened is because of the lack of action in Scotland, we’re now seeing people from places like Newcastle going to Scotland because they can get under-18 treatments no questions asked.”
Last night Mrs Clark, speaking to The Mail on Sunday, said: “The lack of regulation in Scotland leaves the door wide open for harm.
“We cannot wait until more people are seriously injured or disfigured to act. T
The government must immediately address these dangerous loopholes in the law.”
He added: “The fact that under-18s in Scotland can legally access potentially dangerous cosmetic treatments is unacceptable.
These are life-changing decisions and should be taken with great care, not left unchecked, especially when young people are involved.’
Meanwhile, representatives of the Scottish Medical Aesthetics Safety Group (SMASG), the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) and the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN) have raised concerns about the lack of industry regulation in Scotland.
In an online post, SMASG said “border hopping” is a “key issue” being raised.
He added: “At the moment, under-18s have been found crossing the border as it is illegal to seek treatment in England.
There is concern that once the licensing system is introduced in England, non-doctors may continue to practice across the border in Scotland if the legislation is not implemented there too.’
Ms Clarke added: “England has already taken steps to protect young people and the public from the dangers of unqualified professionals.
It is time for Scotland to follow suit and ensure that our regulations reflect the seriousness of these processes.”
It comes as industry experts have branded Scotland “the worst country in Europe” for its rules around “enhancements”, which can be toxic and cause tissue death.
A loophole means health professionals such as doctors, nurses and dentists carrying out the treatments must register with a Scottish Government regulator – but beauticians don’t have the same checks.
Although Botox must be performed by a trained physician, as it is a prescription-only drug, some professionals obtain it on the black market.
Fillers are also bought cheaper this way, but experts have warned that it can carry extreme risks.
There is now so much money in Scotland’s £400m beauty industry that organized crime groups have begun diversifying their contraband to include fake Botox and fillers from as far afield as China and South Korea – which will sold on the black market.
According to official records, the Scottish Government met with Police Scotland and environmental health groups last year amid concerns that organized crime groups were diversifying into the beauty and cosmetics sector, such is the high demand for age-changing treatments. face.
A statement from ministers read: “Scottish Government officials met with Police Scotland and Environmental Health officials on 12 January 2023 regarding concerns relating to the possible involvement of organized crime groups in the beauty/cosmetics sector.
“The consequences of using fake and unlicensed beauty products is one of many issues being considered as we consider further regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
“The Scottish Government and its partners in the Serious Organized Crime Task Force are committed to working together to stop all serious organized crime and the harm it causes to individuals and communities.”
In May, thousands of pounds worth of Botox, needles and dermal fillers were seized from an industrial warehouse in north Glasgow by swat teams from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The Glasgow Environmental Health team also reported receiving an increased number of complaints about practices and procedures at beauty clinics.
Last week, the Scottish Government pledged to launch a consultation on the regulation that may be needed for the beauty industry.
Public Health Minister Jenny Minto said: “I confirmed this week that we will be holding a public consultation on non-surgical cosmetic procedures to address gaps in regulation.
“This will be published before the end of the year and is the next step in the process of achieving our goal of ensuring strong and proportionate regulation is in place.”
