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Plastic surgeons warn against using 'medi-spas' for anti-ageing treatments
Last updated at 23:52pm on 11.05.07
Consultant plastic surgeon Dr Rajiv Grover has warned that botox treatment could go wrong if applied to people of the wrong age
Plastic surgeons have warned that people run the risk of disfigurement if they go to "medi-spas" for anti-ageing treatment.
Patients seeking beauty treatments for wrinkles should make sure they are seen by a qualified expert, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons said.
The organisation, which represents around a third of plastic surgeons in the UK, warned that the number of medi-spas across the country is growing.
The spas traditionally offer beauty treatments such as facials, massages and hair removal - but are now branching out into other procedures such as botox and laser treatment.
They are found in health spas, salons and even department stores.
BAAPS warned there were no national standards regulating who should be carrting out such procedures, or a recognised definition of what constitutes a medi-spa.
Last month, the government announced plans for the industry to police itself over who could offer botox treatments.
Critics warned it would mean that anyone could "set up shop" on the high street to offer botox.
Douglas McGeorge, a consultant plastic surgeon and president of BAAPS, said that since the ruling it was "even more important that people make informed, safe choices for their cosmetic treatments"
He said: "The public should seek environments under the care of a properly qualified physician rather than at a shop or a hair salon: non-surgical does not mean non-medical.
"Injectables, peels and lasers should all be performed by a properly trained clinician, a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist.
"It is essential that people do their homework as these treatments can affect not only their appearance but health and safety as well."
Consultant plastic surgeon Dr Rajiv Grover said botox treatment could go wrong if it was applied to people of the wrong age.
Other potential pitfalls include making the eyebrows or eyelids droop, and causing bruising.
He said some medi-spas were offering dermal filling, in which a substance is injected to plump up the skin to reduce wrinkles and make the lips fuller.
Dr Grover said: "There are more than a 100 of these substances on the market.
"We know that some are better than others - some can cause permament lip swelling like Leslie Ash and scarring of the skin.
"Other potential problems are allergic reactions and damage to the arteries in the lip."
Medi-spas were also increasingly offering laser and microwave treatment to reverse the ageing process - both of which could be dangerous in untrained hands.
BAAPS issued a checklist for anyone considering such treatments.
This includes where the procedure is taking place, with a warning that it should "never be performed in someone's home, hotel room, or at a party".
Patients should also check for appropriate qualifications, become fully informed about benefits and possible risks, and base their decisions not just on price.
Mr McGeorge added: "Physicians with a range of specialties designating themselves as 'cosmetic doctors' can lack the comprehensive training needed for administering drugs and treatments to the deeper levels of skin as well as lack the experience necessary to achieve optimal results or manage potential complications.
"It's in your best interest to see someone who specialises in plastic surgery or dermatologic care when seeking medical - even if they're non-surgical - procedures."
