Originally posted https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/half-of-women-seek-medical-help-after-aesthetic-procedures-reveals-new-survey
Half of women needed medical attention following non-surgical cosmetic procedures, finds ITV’s This Morning
An investigation by ITV’s daytime show This Morning has uncovered alarming statistics about the dangers of unregulated aesthetic treatments, revealing that 50% of women who have undergone non-surgical cosmetic procedures required medical assistance afterwards.
Even more concerning, 15% of those surveyed said they ended up in hospital or A&E following complications linked to these treatments.
Airing on This Morning this week on ITV1 and ITVX, the investigation shines a spotlight on the growing risks in the booming aesthetics industry, particularly from unqualified providers operating outside of clinical settings.
The investigation found that 1 in 3 of the women who took part also admitted that they would go to someone who is not medically qualified to save money on a procedure.
The programme’s research also revealed that half of the procedures took place in non-clinical environments, such as living rooms and kitchens.
Warnings over risks of unregulated cosmetic procedures
Speaking ahead of her appearance on the show, This Morning GP Dr Zoe Williams commented, “I was shocked by the results of our This Morning survey.
"I understand that cosmetic procedures are highly attractive and a low price tag is incredibly tempting, but I urge our viewers to be vigilant, advocate for themselves and ask questions to ensure the treatments they are receiving are safe.
“As an absolute minimum you should have evidence that the person is appropriately qualified and if injectables are being used, knowledge of who has prescribed them.”
Personal insights reveal common misconceptions about cosmetic injectables
The show will also include first-hand accounts from women whose procedures went badly wrong.
One of them, Lynsey Wanless, shared her experience of receiving anti-wrinkle injections at someone’s house: “I went to get anti-wrinkle injections in someone's house, I've had it before so I didn't think it would be an issue.
“I had no idea anti-wrinkle treatments could be dangerous but nine days later I was in hospital.
“I felt like my body was shutting down and I couldn't breathe. This has ruined my life.”
In a follow-up segment, This Morning presenter Ashley James will open up about her own experience with aesthetic procedures and the lack of transparency in the industry:
“There’s so much shame and secrecy surrounding non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and yet so many people – especially women – are having them, whether they admit it or not.
“This Morning's investigation made me realise that I’d never thought to check whether anyone giving me anti-wrinkle injections was medically qualified, or whether the products being used were licensed in the UK. I’d just assumed they were. That’s frightening. I wish I’d known more about the risks from the start, and I know I’m not alone.”
Save Face calls for urgent regulatory action
The show also features expert advice from Save Face, a Government-approved register of accredited aesthetic practitioners.
Commenting on the findings, Save Face director Ashton Collins said, “The figures collated as part of This Morning's investigation correlate with the patient reported complaints we have gathered over the past decade.
“It is alarming that so many people prioritise potential cost savings over their health and their appearance.
“Cheap treatments often indicate that corners are being cut and that practitioners are using unlicensed products that are being illegally imported from abroad.
“Over the last five years, we've seen a significant increase in reports of complications caused by unlicensed medicines and devices. It is extremely frustrating that the laws in place to prevent this are so poorly enforced.
“In light of this new investigation by ITV's This Morning, Save Face is urging the Government to act on our urgent request for a dedicated task force to ensure that existing laws are effectively enforced and that high-risk procedures are banned on the high street.”
Raising awareness around aesthetics safety
The This Morning investigation comes at a critical time for the aesthetics industry, which has grown rapidly in recent years but continues to face calls for tighter regulation.
The show aims to empower viewers with the knowledge to make safer choices when seeking cosmetic treatments.
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