Under-18s unable to access Botox and fillers: is it a good thing?

What do the new laws mean for under-18s wanting to access Botox and fillers?

New legislation means that clinicians, including dental professionals, who treat under-18s with dermal fillers or Botox without age verification, will face prosecution. This was introduced on October 1st 2021.

For anyone under the age of 18, these new laws simply mean they will not be able to seek treatment with fillers or Botox, without the approval and written consent of a doctor.

The law also applies to people visiting from outside England. It does not matter if an under-18 has permission for the procedure from an adult - the legislation still applies.

What is the purpose of this new legislation?

Lou Sommereux, clinical director at Cosmex Clinic, says the purpose of this new legislation is to safeguard young people. There are many potential health risks associated with botulinum toxins and cosmetic fillers, so having a law in place will minimise the risk of young people experiencing these.

"It is important to remember that fillers are in fact a medical procedure, and that botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine. It should only ever be administered by a registered and trained professional who has completed a patient assessment," stresses Sommereux.

In fact, there is virtually no regulation of 'non-surgical cosmetic procedures', including Botox and cosmetic fillers. That means that anyone can (and often does) provide these procedures with minimal training and no medical or scientific background. While the legislation protects under-18s, there is real concern among many healthcare professionals about the safety risks this lack of regulation carries.

Is this legislation a good thing?

Sommereux, who regularly performs these procedures on her patients, feels very strongly that the outcomes of this legislation will be positive.

"I wholeheartedly believe that this legislation is a good thing. Young people are vulnerable as they are developing both physically and mentally. I fear the completely unrealistic beauty standards of today have resulted in a huge spike in mental health disorders in youngsters. They continually compare themselves to unnatural images on social media."

Sommereux also isn't certain that people understand the potential health implications associated with fillers.

If not used correctly, Botox and fillers can be extremely dangerous and even lead to permanent facial paralysis. This is because filler can move away from the intended treatment area, blocking blood vessels and leading to tissue death and or even permanent blindness.

"Ultimately, the new legislation will help to educate young people on the dangers of fillers, and maybe help them begin to appreciate their own beauty," says Sommereux.

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When you tell someone they can't have something, don't they just want it more?

There is conversation around the new legislation not working as a deterrent in the way it aims to. If under-18s are told that they can't have fillers, might they just become more determined to get them out of defiance? And could this lead to 'backstreet' procedures in unsafe, unhygienic clinics?

Sommereux thinks there is a danger of this happening, so it's crucial we keep talking about the risks.

"We need to speak openly about the risks associated with having fillers, not only immediately but also in the future. Decisions of this nature should never be taken lightly, and people should always do their research before getting any treatment of this nature done. I think it’s very important to remember that these treatments are medical procedures and should only ever be carried out in a professional environment."

While fillers seem like a simple 'quick fix' for an insecurity or body hang-up, they can be very difficult and expensive. They are also painful to remove or rectify if they go wrong or you change your mind in the future

Sommereux frequently has clients return to her clinic, requesting for their fillers to be dissolved after rushing into the decision.

Is a change in law even enough?

While introducing legislation will provide protection for young people, is it enough? It is one thing to introduce a law on paper, but do we need an intervention on social media as well? Because while a law against Botox prevents young people from altering their appearance in a quest for perfection, it won't stop those anxieties developing in the first place.

91% of 16- to 24-year-olds use social media, and studies show the rates of anxiety and depression in young people increasing. So, does action need to be taken online to shield youngsters from unattainable beauty standards, airbrushing and diet culture? Sommereux thinks so.

"I worry that social media and reality TV shows, such as Love Island, have created unnatural beauty standards. This has led to people feeling insecure in their own skin and it is a huge problem. It's also really sad.

"The constant filters we are faced with on social media are detracting from reality. These celebrity pictures are edited and filtered to seem real, which causes people to feel inadequate. Social media users then strive for an unrealistic level of perfection, only to feel disappointed when they can't reach it. I believe it's irresponsible for social media influencers and celebrities to retouch their images."

Sommereux always turned away unnatural requests from clients. She explains that dermal fillers can alter the dimensions of the face. Even if a person only has a small amount, it can make them look completely different.

She wants young people to realise that, while fillers might look great now, in 20 years' time when their skin is stretched, it will just look saggy. This will lead to a vicious cycle of always needing more.

To any young person wanting cosmetic surgery ...

Now there's a legal barrier between under-18s and life-changing cosmetic procedures, it allows for more thinking time. Young people can fully assess the risks of fillers and do thorough research before committing. Sommereux also wants any young person considering Botox or fillers to think about why exactly that is.

"If someone wants fillers solely to change their appearance, I would strongly advise against it.

"These pictures of celebrities we see across social media are not real, and they are causing people to feel insecure, and contributing to mental health problems. Young people are more susceptible to this pressure because they are still developing both physically and mentally."

She says that fillers should only ever be used to enhance the features someone already has. They should not be a means of hiding or drastically changing anything.

For anybody looking to get fillers or Botox, make sure you go to a reputable clinic and do a lot of research beforehand. Check the clinic is registered and licensed to carry out such procedures, and that they offer a consultation before carrying anything out.