BABTAC comments on reported Hepatitis C cases from cosmetic tourism

Sky News has reported that thousands of patients may have unwittingly contracted Hepatitis C from treatments abroad.

The blood-borne virus can be transmitted during treatment if proper hygiene measures are not followed, such as equipment not being properly sterilised between patients receiving dental, cosmetic, or health treatments.

The increase in patients travelling abroad for aesthetic surgery and treatments has been closely linked to serious complications for some time, with the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (BAAPS) and the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS) issuing a joint statement about the problem in April of this year.

BABTAC and Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC)’s chief executive and chair, Lesley Blair MBE said, “This is a sobering reminder that when it comes to invasive procedures, whether that is cosmetic or dental work, opting for cheaper solutions or travelling abroad can carry huge risk and dangerous complications. As tempting as it may be to take advantage of cut-back prices when getting cosmetic treatment, this could have the potential for your treatment to be carried out by somebody with little experience, minor training, and ultimately unsafe hygiene practices – simply not worth the risk.”

“To minimise risk before booking any form of cosmetic treatment, it’s important to always do your due diligence and not just be persuaded by low costs. Don’t be afraid to ask what training they have had, ensure they are adequately insured, as well as what preliminary and aftercare they offer. In the case of injectables, an experienced and adequately trained professional doing your treatment should also be legally allowed to prescribe relevant antidotes required to manage any associated complications.”