Remote prescriptions warning
Residents are being advised to check prescriptions administered for any non-surgical cosmetic or aesthetic procedure, like botulinum toxin commonly known as Botox.
Face-to-face consultations
Any prescription should be given by someone who can legally prescribe the treatments in a face-to-face consultation with whoever the prescription is for.
The prescriber needs to be able to properly examine a patient’s suitability by assessing their skin, muscles and general health for any cosmetic procedure. The product being prescribed should only be used for the person it is prescribed for.
The prescriber should provide instructions with a prescription for the individual’s needs, identified in the pre-treatment consultation.
Ask questions
Anyone considering this type of procedure should not be afraid to ask questions about any aspect of the treatment. They should receive a face-to-face consultation with the person who is prescribing Prescription Only Medicines (POM) i.e. Botox treatment not just the practitioner carrying it out.
Clients should ask to see the bottles/vials of liquid before treatment goes ahead. Any labels should have the client’s name on, like any other prescription. Your medication is for you and only you.
If they have any concerns, do not go ahead with the treatment.
Protection, knowledge and confidence
We strongly recommend that anyone considering a botulinum toxin, or any non-surgical cosmetic or aesthetic procedure does thorough research first.
All treatments – non-surgical or medical – come with risks. Taking the time to do in-depth research can help protect you, give you the knowledge to proceed with caution and empower you to question what doesn’t seem right.
Councillor Paul Keska, Portfolio Holder for Regulatory, Technical and Community Safety Services
Further information
The Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners and Save Face websites have advice, information and guidance.
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