Plastic surgeons have issued a warning over unregulated �medi-spas� which offer anti-ageing treatments. Soaring numbers of beauty salons and spas provide medical procedures such as injections, facial peels and laser treatment.
Plastic surgeons have issued a warning over unregulated "medi-spas" which offer anti-ageing treatments.
Soaring numbers of beauty salons, spas and even department stores provide medical procedures such as injections, facial peels and laser treatment. They promise to turn back the clock by rehydrat- ing the skin or reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
However, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps) warned that there were no national standards regulating the industry.
The organisation, which represents around one-third of plastic surgeons in the UK, said patients should seek proper medical advice. It has issued a "safety checklist" for people considering non-surgical procedures to ensure they receive the correct treatment.
Douglas McGeorge, Baaps president, said: "It is important that people make informed, safe choices for their cosmetic treatments.
"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."
Almost 700,000 cosmetic procedures were carried out last year. Facial peels are available for as little as £40 while botox and restylane injections have become increasingly popular and accessible.
However, medical professionals fear patients are not receiving the best care when they go for treatments outside dedicated clinics. Ken Stewart, a surgeon at Bupa's Murrayfield Hospital in Edinburgh, said he regularly sees patients who have had treatments carried out in "dubious" circumstances. He said: "You have to be careful about any environment that seeks to induce you into having treatment that you don't necessarily need.
"It is much better to have it done in a clinical environment where the risks are carefully explained to you. It doesn't have to be a hospital but it should be a controlled clinical environment."
Last month the government came under criticism for plans for the non-invasive cosmetic surgery industry to regulate itself. The Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS) had been lobbying for statutory regulation, but it will now draw up plans for a code of conduct covering treatments such as botox.
Mr McGeorge said after the decision it was now "even more important" that people were able to make informed, safe choices. Body and Mind in Milngavie, near Glasgow, is one spa offering Botox, restylane fillers and other chemical treatments.
However, Audrey Lee, the spa's owner, said patients were given the best possible care. She added: "A good medi-spa should be, most importantly, spotlessly clean and people should study reviews of previous clients who have had similar treatments before going ahead."
"Clients are looking for the next level of treatment, confidence in the service you provide is key. Good salons bring in surgeons and provide before-and-after consultations."
The Baaps checklist includes the location of the treatment and warns "these procedures should never be performed in someone's home, hotel room or at a party".
It also urges patients to ask about qualifications and the benefits and risks of treatment. "Injectables, peels and lasers should all be performed by a properly-trained clinician, a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist," Mr McGeorge said.
"It is essential that people do their homework as these treatments can affect not only their appearance but health and safety as well. Physicians with a range of specialities 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."
