UK Botox Registry Launched to Improve Patient Safety

As a result of the interest in Botox as a means of eliminating wrinkles and other facial skin blemishes the UK government have commissioned a register for the providers of Botox injections and dermal fillers.

The registry is voluntary but it is hoped that medical professionals will be chosen by the public for their services. In recent years there has been a rise in “Botox Parties” where groups of women get quick Botox treatment in an evening session with an unlicensed Botox surgeon.

Independent Heathcare Advisory Services Voluntary Register

The register is managed by the Independent Heathcare Advisory Services. There are currently about 5000 Botoz practitioners in the UK.

For a probationer to get on the register of Botox professionals they must promise that they always give a private consultation before agreeing to treat a patient. Also all treatment must be carried out in a safe, clinical environment, and not private homes. Most importantly the only people that can be on the register are those with proper medical training – doctors, dentists and nurses. Beauticians need not apply.

Is Self Regulation Enough?

Some people feel that self regulation is not enough and that the register should be compulsory for those wishing to perform Botox treatments. Although so long is it means that non-medical professionals are not included it should help to clean up the Botox business.

Find a Registered Botox Surgeon

A website has been set up to publish the registers: www.treatmentsyoucantrust.co.uk.

More about the people behind the register of professional Botox surgeons can be found on the Independent Healthcare website.

Medical Professional Opinions

“Q-Med places high priority on patient welfare and clinical excellence by continued investment in clinical trials and aesthetic practitioner training to ensure that Restylane meets the highest safety standards at all times. Therefore Q-Med welcomes the IHAS shared regulation scheme as it will encourage treatment providers to follow best practice and patient safety will be improved.” James Backhouse, General Manager of Q-Med UK Ltd, the manufacturer of Restylane dermal fillers.

Jason Harries, Managing Director of CHKS commented, “CHKS are delighted to have been selected to work with IHAS on this new venture to give the public confidence that their treatment provider has met the necessary standards.”

Says Kevin Lewis, Dental Director of Dental Protection, which provides professional support and advice to 70% of dentists in the UK, “We welcome the launch of the new IHAS shared regulation scheme. Not all dentists are currently involved in dento-facial aesthetics and cosmetics, but we are strongly encouraging those who are, to participate in the IHAS Quality Mark scheme which allows their patients see that they are committed to the same high levels of quality assurance in this aspect of their clinical practice, as in the rest of their professional work.”

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Dr Mike Comins, Chairman of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, says, “As a cosmetic doctor and Chairman of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors I welcome plans to regulate the industry. The BACD has launched the first post graduate diploma of cosmetic medicine through the University of Leicester and this along with Shared Regulation will help bring peace of mind to the people having cosmetic treatments and will support ongoing education and training for doctors.”