The UK Prohibits Minors Under 18 From Receiving Botulinum Toxin Injections Or Dermal Filler Injections

Botox injections and dermal filler injections have been very popular non-surgical medical cosmetic items in recent years. Recently, British legislation prohibits minors under the age of 18 from receiving botulinum toxin injections or dermal filler injections. The new law aims to protect young people from harm after years of efforts to regulate the non-surgical beauty industry. The ban does not cover other procedures like thread lifts.

Government investigations revealed that as many as 41,000 botulinum toxin injections were given to teenagers under the age of 18 in England last year, and there were as many as 29,300 dermal filling procedures under the age of 18 in 2017. Before the new legislation in the UK takes effect, people under the age of 18 can freely perform Botox-style procedures and dermal fillers without receiving age restrictions, which is unlimited for the entire beauty industry. Legislation in Wales and Scotland is expected to be updated in the near future, while Northern Ireland currently has no plans to make any changes. Many people called on other countries to act quickly to prevent young people in England from crossing the border to receive treatment. Because there is currently no law in the UK that requires practitioners to obtain formal qualifications or training for such treatments, this means that it is very likely that the patient will be injected by a novice with no experience, which means that the patient may take a lot of risks.

Maria Caulfield, minister for patient safety, said she understood the constant pressure for people to look their best, but said: "Far too many people have been left emotionally and physically scarred by their experience, needing medical treatment after botched cosmetic procedures.

"Anyone considering these treatments should take the time to consider the impact on both their physical and mental health and ensure they are using a reputable, safe and qualified practitioner." MP Laura Trott, who called for the legislation change in Parliament, said: "No child needs cosmetic Botox or fillers. They don't need to get a dangerous and unnecessary procedure that could ruin their lives."

People say that although age restriction is an important first step in the non-surgical cosmetics industry, there is still a long way to go. Patients over 18 are equally vulnerable, and they are also at great risk of surgical failure. Therefore, it takes more effort to truly regulate the beauty industry and allow patients to receive safe treatment.