A woman had to be taken to hospital after undergoing a Brazilian butt lift at a Glasgow hotel.
The council’s environmental health has launched an investigation into the “recent” incident, with the local authority warning of the dangers of “emerging” cosmetics operating across the UK.
In a separate incident, thousands of pounds worth of unlicensed and over-the-counter products used in cosmetic injections were seized from a warehouse in the north of the city in January.
Environmental health officials joined forces with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) after concerns were raised by the public and Police Scotland about the type of products being stored, distributed and sold from the premises.
A number of non-approved beauty products were seized during the inspection, including nearly 400 non-compliant dermal fillers and 320 non-compliant needles/cannulas.
More than 180 vials of unlicensed and suspected illegal botulinum toxin were also seized.
Councilor Ruairi Kelly, neighborhood services convener, said: “The use of unlicensed and unapproved products and over-the-counter medicines in some beauty clinics is a serious concern. It is illegal and putting people’s health at risk.
“Our environmental health team has received an increasing number of complaints about practices and procedures Glasgow aesthetic clinics that do not need to register with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).
“Demand for these types of operations is high and we are also finding that doctors are traveling across the UK to do pop-up clinics in locations that are not suitable for this type of treatment.
“Environmental Health is currently investigating a recent incident where a woman was hospitalized following a Brazilian butt lift procedure at a Glasgow hotel.”
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Councilor Kelly said people should be “extremely cautious” when considering cosmetic surgery.
He added: “If they go wrong, the consequences can be painful, disfiguring and require urgent medical treatment.”
The councilor said environmental health officers continue to carry out inspections of beauty salons across the city to help protect the public and will take enforcement action when necessary.
Just last month, Edinburgh City Council warned residents about to undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in contact them with concerns about cosmetic procedures offered through social media.
The Scottish Government is currently considering the development of a licensing system for aesthetic activities.
Aesthetic clinics that employ a medical professional such as a doctor, nurse or dentist must be registered with HIS. However, there is no such requirement for those who do not employ a registered medical practitioner.
Andy Morling, MHRA deputy director (criminal enforcement), said: “Drugs like these are powerful and dangerous in the wrong hands, potentially leading to serious adverse health consequences.
“Criminals who trade these products are not only breaking the law, they also have no respect for people’s safety.
“It is illegal to advertise, sell or supply medicines like these without the proper licence.
“If you see these products or any other powerful drugs being sold on social media or elsewhere online, be very careful. It’s highly unlikely it’s legal.”
Botulinum toxin injections relax facial muscles to smooth lines and wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and frown lines.
Dermal fillers are injected into the face and lips to fill in lines and wrinkles and add volume to areas such as the cheeks.
Botulinum toxin, which is a prescription-only medicine (POM), should only be used if prescribed by a competent person, for example a doctor or nurse, and after a one-to-one consultation between the client and the prescriber.
Botulism toxins should also be labeled with the name of the person receiving the injections.
Those concerned are asked to contact the MHRA via yellow card reporting system.
