While it may be tempting to save money, opting for cheaper or unregulated treatments can lead to serious complications.
In December 2024, the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (a UK-registered charity and self-regulating body for the non-surgical aesthetics and hair restoration sector, dedicated to promoting a safer and more ethical industry), which aims to create a safer, more ethical industry, advised that:
- 53% of their complainants did not know the professional background of the person administering their treatment
- 38% of complaints in the same month were in relation to advanced toxin treatments
Legal duties
Aesthetic practitioners have a number of legal duties. These include ensuring, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their clients as well as their employees.
What is the local authority’s role?
City of Wolverhampton Council’s, Environmental Health Service works with practitioners to make sure they are operating safely and legally. We are there to apply, monitor and enforce safety regulations and can take action where there are potential risks to the public.
You can talk to us if you have concerns about a practitioner or premises, or if you have been injured as the result of a treatment. Please don’t feel afraid or embarrassed to speak to us, we are here to help.
Possible risks and side effects of non-surgical aesthetic procedures
Filler blindness: when the product is injected into a small blood vessel on the face, connected to the retinal artery.
Filler migration: when incorrect injection techniques are applied, including over filling and excessive pressure.
Fat and skin necrosis: if the product is inadvertently injected into or blocks a blood vessel.
Transmission of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections from skin contact: including herpes simplex, and hepatitis B and C. These are often transmitted through contaminated equipment, open wounds, and cuts.
Allergic reactions to ingredients.
Botox may cause temporary drooping if injected incorrectly.
What safety standards should you expect?
Sharps (such as needles) and syringes must be single use and sterile, and be placed into a yellow waste bin after use.
Used soft tissues and PPE (protective clothing) must be disposed of into a yellow waste bag, within a receptacle.
Make sure practitioners are washing their hands and wearing appropriate protective clothing, such as a single use apron, gloves and face covering where necessary.
Handwashing is particularly important after using the bathroom or a mobile phone. Practitioners should also change gloves after these activities to prevent the spread of infection.
The premises must be clean, provided with hot water, do you see any cleaning products available?
Things to consider and questions to ask your practitioner
- What are their qualifications and experience? Ask how long they’ve been performing injectables and whether they have specific experience with the treatment that you’re considering.
- Make sure you have a pre-consultation before undergoing any procedure.
- Can they explain the risks and side effects? No treatment is entirely without risk, and a trustworthy practitioner will openly discuss the potential side effects and complications with you.
- Ask what you should expect during and after the procedure. Ask your practitioner to walk you through your procedure.
- Ask what product they’re using and why? Injectables come in a variety of formulations and brands, each with specific purpose and benefits.
- For anti-wrinkle injections (Botox), check the name of the product and whether it is licensed, products such as Botulax, reNTox and Innotox are not authorised medicines for use in the UK.
- For treatments which require a prescription, a face-to-face consultation must be performed by a suitably qualified prescriber. This includes doctors, dentists, prescribing nurses, or pharmacists. Don’t accept treatment on the day of the consultation.
- Is there a cooling off period? This will allow you the time to step away and consider if the treatment is the right one for you.
- Ask if they have insurance cover, such as General Liability Insurance.
- On the day of treatment check that the product, including needles, syringes and vials are in packaging and unopened before use. For those products which are licensed, that it has a pharmacy dispensing label attached with your name on the label.
- Aftercare is a vital part of the treatment process. Your practitioner should provide you with clear instructions both verbally and in writing.
Where to report your concerns
Report any concerns via email to environmental.health@wolverhampton.gov.uk or contact our call centre on 01902 551155. When contacting us, please provide details including the business and practitioner’s name, premises address, and a brief description of your injuries or concerns.