Want the gift of the jab? Do your homework first

The anti-ageing jabs will initially be available at its flagship London store, with plans to roll them out nationwide at a later date. At Superdrug the treatments will always be performed by a trained nurse. But there are concerns that the demand for anti-ageing procedures on the high street could lead to a rise in unqualified and inexperienced operators cashing in.

Approximately 100,000 Botox injections are carried out in Britain annually and nonsurgical cosmetic treatments generate £2.75billion a year. Despite this, there is a shocking lack of regulation. In the UK you can call yourself an aesthetic practitioner and offer injectable treatments without any medical knowledge or training.

Other popular treatments such as microblading, laser skin renewal and hair removal can be carried out by a therapist after just a few days’ training. The anti-ageing industry has grown rapidly in the past decade and with it the number of practitioners now offering cosmetic treatments.

The worrying truth is that not all of them are qualified to do so. Before you book any cosmetic treatment read our guide to staying safe. Otherwise you could be playing Russian roulette, not only with your appearance but potentially with your long-term health too.

Wrinkle-smoothing jabs

Botox and other wrinkle-smoothing toxins have been used for years to soften lines.

It is important to remember that this is a medical procedure and there are risks involved. Botox is a prescription-only medicine that has to be administered correctly.

The difference between injectable areas and no-go danger zones on the face is a matter of millimetres.

If injected into the wrong place, complications can include infection, drooping facial features, impaired vision and breathing difficulties.

Stay safe: Only practitioners who can prescribe medication, such as doctors, dentists and some nurses, are allowed to offer wrinkle-smoothing injections. So before having a treatment, check that the practitioner is medically trained, insured and has experience.

Beware deals that look too good to be true.

Untrained therapists giving jabs on the cheap won’t have the medical knowledge to deal with complications, allergic reactions or infections.

The treatment should be carried out by a trained medical professional in a reputable clinic so before you book check their credentials with the General Medical Council or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Dermal Fillers

Like Botox, dermal fillers are also being offered cheaply in many high street beauty and hair salons. There can be serious risks.

Injecting filler into the wrong area of the face or using the wrong type of filler could lead to permanent disfigurement or even be fatal.

There is currently no regulation preventing untrained therapists or beauticians administering fillers and there is no way of checking whether they have been trained, although steps are in place to change this.

Stay safe: Medical qualifications are essential.

Always go to a cosmetic doctor, dentist or nurse and check credentials before booking.

Your consultation should be with the person who is going to perform the procedure and always ask which filler will be used and how many patients they have treated.

Microblading

Microblading – semi-permanent make-up that is famed for its natural results especially when used to fill in sparse brows – is a huge trend at the moment.

This has resulted in an army of underqualified practitioners popping up in salons to keep up with the demand.

Therapists are taking two-day training courses and setting themselves up in business.

This inexperience can lead to a range of complications, from unflattering shapes and poor colour matching to scarring and infection.

Stay safe: Always check the therapist’s qualifications and ask how long they have been providing the treatment.

Ask to see before and after photographs and if you can speak to a previous client.

Also check what the facilities are like. Do they look professional?

Are they clean? Is it a well‑respected salon?

Your skin should always be thoroughly cleansed with antiseptic before treatment and new sterile blades should be used.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is one of the UK’s most popular treatments but in the wrong hands the procedure carries enormous risks including disfiguring injuries, burns, scars and permanent pigmentation marks.

Stay safe: Make sure the therapist treating you is properly qualified and has been trained in laser procedures.

Ask how many treatments they have performed and how long they have been carrying out the procedure.

You should have a patch test to check your skin’s reaction before undergoing treatment and if you have diabetes or problems with wound healing or are prone to keloid scarring check with your doctor before having treatment.

Teeth Whitening

Celebrity culture and social media has made teeth whitening one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the UK.

In fact it is such big business that pop-up teeth whitening shops are commonplace in most shopping centres.

The procedure is perfectly safe if carried out by a registered dental professional but done by anyone inexperienced or without the right training can cause permanent damage to teeth and gums.

Stay safe: It is illegal for anyone other than a dentist or dental health professional to carry out teeth whitening in this country.

Nevertheless, it is a service offered by many unqualified beauty therapists so always do your homework and check out credentials before booking. 

For advice on cosmetic surgery consult your GP. For more of Lesley’s tips see lesleyreynolds.com