There has been a dramatic increase in people seeking cosmetic surgery, according to the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons, with more and more men in particular seeking such operations. Increasingly popular are botox injections to reduce worry lines and crows feet. However, the Government’s Healthcare Commission, which regulates standards in private and public healthcare, is concerned that people are putting themselves at risk by having these procedures carried out by unqualified and untrained practitioners, such as those in beauty clinics and hairdressing salons.
Botox is considered to be a safer alternative to surgical cosmetic procedures, but when carried out by incompetent practitioners can cause disfigurement, or at least bad reactions. Forty percent of people having this treatment may suffer from a range of side effects, such as headaches, nausea and bruising to facial paralysis. The risk when administering too much is high – after all, the name botox is the acceptable face (no pun intended) of the toxin botulinum.
Patients can be in and out for treatment within a short time. The procedure is swift and requires no anesthetic. When the tiny muscles of the fact are injected, they are temporarily paralyzed, resulting in the desired smoothing out of the wrinkles. The Healthcare Commission is calling for strict standards for those who carry out the process. Permanent damage can occur if an excessive dose is administered. They recommend practitioners to have a specialist qualification and professional registration. Premises must conform to hygienic standards with doses and treatment carefully regulated. In the last two years the rate of injections has doubled and significantly there has been an increase in those seeking redress in the courts for botched treatment. Aftercare can be lax. It should be pointed out to patients that the effect of flying at altitude following injections can cause bad side effects like facial paralysis and eyelid drooping.
Other more radical forms of cosmetic surgery are also on the increase, such as breast augmentation and reduction, nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, ear pinning, liposuction and facelifts. The later are becoming increasingly common among men. People are living longer – they are retiring earlier and want to enjoy their leisure years looking and feeling as young as possible.
By Hilary O’Nions.
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