Unregulated Botox warnings re-issued after botulism outbreak

Having received what they believed to be anti-wrinkle injections – although are suspected to be fake – all 28 experienced a series of serious side effects.

Such reactions to treatments are so rare that hospitals stock very little anti toxin – only six cases of botulism were recorded in the whole of England in 2023/24. In one night alone in June, five people sought treatment at University Hospital of North Durham. In an average year, they will see no cases of botulism.

Several more people have been to hospital in Durham in recent weeks, following what is believed to have been fake Botox being administered, with symptoms including difficulty breathing, swelling to the face and difficulty eating, smiling and swallowing.

Botulinum toxin is widely used to reduce facial wrinkles and treat muscle conditions. Seven brands are licensed in the UK, with Botox being the best known. Side effects are rare when regulated treatments are used.

Cosmetic practitioners do not need to be licensed, although they must use licensed anti-wrinkle products – but they themselves are not subject to regulation.

Law firm Slater and Gordon supports people across England, Wales and Scotland who have experienced problems in cosmetic procedures, and acts in many cases involving unregulated Botox.

“This is a huge problem in the cosmetic industry, and stems from the fact there is no stringent regulation around who can administer these anti-ageing treatments,” says Kelly Lloyd Davies, principal lawyer in clinical negligence at Slater and Gordon.

“People are attracted by the low price and convenience of local salons offering treatments such as Botox – or rather, what they believe to be Botox. But the lack of scrutiny around exactly who is administering these treatments, and the qualifications they have to do so, is hugely concerning.

“The fact that so many people in one area of England are suffering the consequences of rogue cosmetic treatments again shines a light on the fact that too often, people have no verification of the quality of product or service, and that is deeply worrying.

“Better regulation and scrutiny of providers of these treatments is urgently needed, to give people the assurance that the cosmetic procedures they wish to undergo are being done to the highest professional standards and with safety as the absolute priority.”

If you have experienced problems with cosmetic surgery, our specialist and expert team can support you. Speak to us today on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.