Key Facts

• A survey in 2018 showed that 100,000 under-16s had undergone cosmetic enhancements.
• There were more than 1,600 complaints to Save Face last year.
• It is estimated that 200 people have gone blind following these treatments.
• The absence of a legal age limit allows any 15-year-old to receive invasive cosmetic treatments.
• Unregulated practitioners are not required to hold insurance and may lack necessary qualifications.
• Medical conditions requiring botox treatment would still be permissible under the guidance of a doctor.
• The Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Bill addresses non-surgical cosmetic procedures for young people.
• The industry is a £2.75 billion business in the UK.
• Social media and unrealistic images on magazines contribute to pressures on young people's self-image.
• Consumer protections have not kept up with the industry.
• The number of cases of botched jobs has doubled from 616 in 2017-18 to 1,300 last year.
• Botox treatments and dermal fillers can cost between £300 to £1,000.
• Under-18s cannot realistically give informed consent for such serious matters.
• The 2017 Conservative manifesto committed to ensuring effective registration and regulation of those performing cosmetic interventions.
• Save Face manages a national register of accredited practitioners for non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
• Ashton Collins, director of Save Face, warned about the risks faced by young individuals undergoing these procedures.
• The Bill regulates procedures involving botulinum toxin and dermal fillers for individuals under a certain age.
• It is supported by MPs who emphasize the importance of protecting children's mental health and promoting body positivity.
• Concerns are raised about the impact of social media on young people's self-esteem and appearance-related anxiety.
• Three quarters of young girls will not consider posting an image without it being doctored (Girlguiding evidence).
• Save Face received 179 complaints during lockdown, including 80 about illicit procedures leading to swelling, bruising, and uneven lips.
• The Bill aims to regulate the cosmetic filler industry while allowing necessary medical procedures.
• Botox can be used medically for migraines, excessive sweating, and pain relief.
• Fillers have medical uses such as treating acne scars and scarring.
• Complications include asymmetry in the face caused by botox and necrosis due to lip fillers.
• The Bill aims to regulate the use of botulinum toxin and cosmetic fillers among under-18s.
• Statutory regulations already exist preventing tattoos until age 18.
• The industry has put in place a voluntary sign-up for standards.
• The Bill aims to regulate cosmetic procedures for minors.
• There is a need for comprehensive documentation on practitioners performing these procedures.
• Social media can be used positively to communicate the benefits of this legislation.
• The Bill aims to regulate botulinum toxin and cosmetic fillers in children under 18.
• In 2019, VICE found that all 20 beauty salons visited were willing to administer botox or filler to a 16-year-old without ID verification.
• BAAPS director stated most registered practitioners should not contemplate giving these treatments to teenagers.
• The Bill aims to prevent cosmetic procedures on children under 18.
• Practitioners must take all reasonable precautions in establishing a patient’s age before administering treatment.
• One in four teenage girls aged 16 to 19 suffer from serious mental health issues, often linked to social media use.
• Non-surgical cosmetic treatments generate over £2.75 billion in the UK annually.
• Such treatments account for 75% of all cosmetic enhancements each year.
• The industry is largely unregulated compared to surgical procedures.
• Botox is used in the treatment of various medical conditions, including chronic migraines, bladder dysfunctions, face and eyelid twitching, and severe sweating.
• Practitioners do not need to be medically qualified to perform botox or dermal filler procedures for under-18s, raising concerns about health risks such as blindness, tissue necrosis, infection, scarring, and psychological impact.
• The Bill aims to prevent unnecessary non-medical procedures that can harm children's lives.
• The health, beauty, and non-medical cosmetics market is worth about £2.75 billion.
• A Snapchat survey found that 7% of respondents aged 13 to 24 had undergone cosmetic procedures for aesthetic reasons.
• 66% of nearly 50,000 respondents said they would like to change their facial features.
• Practitioners of botox and fillers do not need to be medically qualified.
• Potential health risks include blindness, tissue necrosis.
• In 2008, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons stated that cosmetic surgery on teenagers should only occur in exceptional circumstances with parental consent.
• Women are disproportionately affected by botched botox procedures.
• About 40% of men are also affected by image issues related to these procedures.
• The industry being regulated is worth £2.75 billion.
• A constituent's case in Mike Wood's constituency highlighted the lack of safeguards and accountability.
• The Bill aims to prevent under-18s from undergoing Botox and filler treatments for cosmetic reasons.
• There is evidence that brain development continues into the 20s, affecting decision-making ability.
• Medical use of Botox will still be allowed with strong safeguards.
• The Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Bill restricts access to cosmetic procedures for children under 18.
• The procedures include botulinum toxin injections and dermal fillers, which are becoming more common among young people.
• Local authorities will enforce the provisions using their powers under schedule 5 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
• The value of the non-surgical cosmetic interventions market is predicted to rise to over £3.6 billion in the UK by 2021.
• There are currently no statutory age restrictions for invasive injectable cosmetic procedures.
• The Bill focuses on protecting young people from receiving botox and fillers until they can fully weigh the implications.
• The Bill aims to prevent children from undergoing dangerous and unnecessary non-medical cosmetic procedures.
• Providers will be subject to unlimited fines for offering these services illegally.
• It is currently illegal to tattoo a person under 18 but not to perform high-risk cosmetic treatments.