Cosmetic clamp down: clinics that treat under-18s face prosecution
It has recently been reported that cosmetic clinics that fail to verify that customers are 18 or over before administering Botox or dermal fillers will face prosecution from next month. Nadine Dorries, the minister for mental health, suicide prevention and patient safety, said that one of the central aims is to protect children from pressures to achieve “utterly unrealistic” body images.
Dr Olivier Amar, leading cosmetic and CMO of Uvence, discusses the importance of protection and regulation in the industry:
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, practitioners and surgeons in the cosmetic industry have noticed a spike in patient demand for treatments. However, what is concerning to hear is the number of young people seeking treatment under the age of 18.
Having any cosmetic treatment or procedure administered is a big decision which should always be carefully considered. It is known that young people can be particularly influenced by Instagram and other social media platforms – especially when it comes to models and influencers who may publicly discuss their own treatments. In our very own research at Uvence, we found that 31% of Brits aged 18-24 said using photo filters has warped their own perception of what they look like, to the point where it shocks them when they see images of their unfiltered face. What should also be highlighted is that one’s facial features continue to change and develop throughout early adulthood, and so young adults who may be considering treatments should always wait until they are certain this is the best decision for them. Speaking to a trusted professional as well as friends and family is a good way to do this.
Before the age of 18, our faces are undergoing an accelerated period of transformation. It is therefore an impossible task to make permanent changes to faces that haven’t yet matured fully. With facial growth and bone structure very much evolving within this period, it is absolutely true that those under the age of 18 should refrain from cosmetic surgery until they have gone through these key stages of development. While the optimum age for different surgeries vary, Botox is recommended for patients in their 30s, as wrinkles do not generally become permanent until this age.
It is obviously good to see that attempts are being made to protect the industry and patients. However, we must be careful that putting bans in place can made treatments less safe, rather than stop them happening. It is concerning to hear how many patients still consider going to unqualified practitioners for procedures, as not only can this lead to botched cosmetic results, but it can also have serious implications on health and wellbeing. There are many responsibilities that practitioners must uphold, and regulating the industry is something that myself and my fellow surgeons consider of utmost importance, including the protection of young people who are seeking treatment prematurely.”
Research from Uvence (Uvence.co), a cosmetic treatment that utilises one’s own cells to rejuvenate the skin, reveals 31% of Brits aged 18-24 say that using photo filters has warped their own perception of what they look like, to the point where it shocks them when they see images of their unfiltered face. The desire for an “Instagram Face” has created a surge in cosmetic enquiries, leading many young people who are influenced by social media wanting to replicate the look, such as features like high cheekbones and fuller lips using cosmetic enhancements.
