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We are all used to reading articles in the press and on social media about when aesthetic procedures go wrong, and the impact on the NHS, however, there is less coverage of whether those complications could have been avoided. While there is an ever-present risk with all treatments, we do know that the harms are generally reduced when patients see qualified and well-trained practitioners, who are using genuine products.
The British College of Aesthetic Medicine recently published their annual review following a survey of members, who reported treating more than 3,000 complications in the previous 12 months, with 67 per cent of those problems being caused by other practitioners. Further, Save Face received a similar number of complaints, 3,000, in 2024, with the majority coming from young women aged 19-25.
Thankfully these numbers are a fraction of the aesthetic industry - in 2024 there were approximately 900,000 toxin injections recorded – but for those patients who unfortunately suffer from such complications the impact can be immense. BCAM reported that fillers made up the majority of complications which called for medical treatment, ranging from infections and lumps to vascular occlusion and necrosis, while toxin issues including drooping eyelids, distorted smiles, severe distress, and an outbreak of botulism linked to an unlicenced toxin. In addition, BCAM’s survey revealed cases of minors needing correction after illegal filler or toxin treatments.
In response, BCAM are launching a new campaign – vet it before you get it – to help patients ask vital safety questions before booking a consultation or treatment. From the website, you can download a questionnaire to send to clinics ahead of booking, providing an easy, and less-awkward way to ask questions around practitioners’ qualifications, supervision and insurance as well as safety protocols and information on products.
See bcam.ac.uk/patients/vet_it_before_you_get_it for more.“Myself and BCAM members support this campaign and hope members of the public will take this action to support their safety.”
Dr Sophie Shotter, President of BCAM
