Children are to be banned from having Botox next month with the Government aiming to halt a surge in young people using the treatment due to the popularity of TV shows like Love Island.
From October 1, businesses will no longer be legally allowed to carry out Botox and fillers on anyone aged under 18, following an announcement from health minister Nadine Dorries.
The health minister stated that any company failing to verify the age of customers before carrying out any procedure would be prosecuted.
READ MORE: Liverpool critical care boss sounds covid warning for weeks ahead
Speaking in the Daily Mail, Ms Dorries said: “It is not right that children can be so exposed – particularly if they use some of the cowboys who operate in the industry.
“No child needs cosmetic procedures unless for medical reasons.
“That's why the Government is making it illegal to carry out such procedures for cosmetic purposes on under-18s in England.
“Of course, where there is a medical need, a doctor will still be able to approve treatment, but this must be administered by a doctor, nurse, dentist or pharmacist.”
It has been reported that more than 410,000 procedures, including lip enhancements, were undertaken last year by people under the age of 18.
Shows such as Love Island have been credited as one of the main reasons for the boom, with the number of young people looking to receive Botox treatment growing massively in recent years, since the show gained popularity.
Dorries described the craze as ‘Instagram Face’ due to the popularity of the look on social media.
A medical professional will still be able to give permission for a young person to receive Botox, but only when there is a medical need.
The Health Minister said: “These procedures use substances that are generally given by an injection into the skin and can lead to serious complications – including infections and, in rare cases, blindness.
“It is not right that children can be so exposed – particularly if they use some of the cowboys who operate in the industry.”
Last year, campaign group Save Face, who aim to ensure safe medical care for all when using things such as Botox, said that they received 2,083 complaints about failed treatments.
