More than 660 people have reported problems with lip and face fillers over the past three years.
The complaints – logged by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency – came as Instagram influencers and shows like Love Island triggered a surge in interest for the procedures.
Side-effects included anxiety and depression, hair loss, headaches, sleep problems and issues with blurred vision, with many more having issues like pain, numbness, swelling and skin disorders.
READ MORE: Slimming pills are a waste of money and could be dangerous, say scientists
Medics are concerned treatments are done by unqualified people at so-called Botox parties, The Mirror reports.
Top plastic surgeon Steven Harris recently criticised the “gross misuse” of dermal fillers, fearing an “epidemic of overfilled and distorted faces”.
Ashton Collins, director of campaign group Save Face, claims interest in lip fillers surged after Love Island started in the summer.
He said: “Thousands of unscrupulous practitioners have set up, administering dangerous and potentially life-threatening treatments.
“They simply do not have the qualifications or expertise to correct the vast number of issues that can arise from a poorly administered treatment.
"Dermal fillers are serious medical interventions that can cause permanent consequences such as blindness and tissue death.”
Among those affected was Rachael Knappier, 31, of Leicestershire – hospitalised after her lips swelled to four times their normal size.
A beautician injected filler into an artery. It took 72 hours for the swelling to pass.
An MHRA spokesman said: “We encourage everyone to report issues relating to dermal fillers.”
ITV has said of Love Island: “At no point has the show ever glorified or encouraged cosmetic surgery."
For the latest local news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter here.
