(1888PressRelease)
February 19, 2009 - A former GP has spoken out following revelations that many practitioners are not properly qualified to administer Botox treatments and is warning patients of the dangers of ‘subscription Botox’ and repeated treatments without doctor intervention.
Dr Ravi Jain, Medical Director at award winning non-surgical cosmetic clinic Riverbanks Clinic, is concerned with the reported rise of poorly qualified practitioners administering Botox without correct supervision or training and is urging patients to be extremely cautious about undertaking treatments with staff that are not qualified specifically to deliver Botox.
Dr Jain says “the risk increases if treatments are given by practitioners who have extended their services to include Botox as an add – on, rather than a specialist skill. A simple half day course will not give someone the same skills and expertise as a practitioner that does dozen’s of treatments day in, day out, and is receiving ongoing guidance and updates with regards to best practices.”
Dr Jain’s concerns are also reflected by The National Midwifery Council, who considers administrations of Botox that have been signed remotely by a medical practitioner who has not assessed the patient as contrary to the guidance issued within Standards for Medicine Management (2007).
“No one under any circumstances should follow through with Botox administration unless all of the guidelines have been met. Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a potentially harmful substance when used incorrectly and it’s important to fully assess a patient before every treatment in case circumstances have changed. I’m concerned with the amount of patients who think Botox can be issued like a repeat prescription. One check before your first treatment is not sufficient if you are considering regular treatment, you need to have a check-up with your cosmetic doctor before every treatment”, says Dr Jain.
According to a report by the NMC, Botox should only be administered following a comprehensive assessment of the patient by a registered prescriber. The prescription should state the drug, dose strength and quantity. The nurse or midwife should practice to all the NMC standards of medicines management that apply and prior to administration, all actions should be documented and the patient informed as to what to expect and whom to contact should they have any questions. It is these critical steps which are being missed by less experienced practitioners and could be leading to further complications, says Dr Jain.
“Botox is still one of the most effective aesthetic treatments on the market and in the right hands, it can produce excellent results. But put even the best treatments into the wrong hands and the results can be disastrous”, says Dr Jain.
Since its launch in Britain almost 14 years ago, Botox has become the fastest-growing treatment in the cosmetics industry. It is now continually marketed as a quick anti-ageing fix and is used by 100,000 Britons a year. Riverbanks Clinic in Harpenden has seen a 54% growth in revenue from Botox and similar treatments since 2007, with predicated figures for this year set to far exceed that as demand continues to rise.
For further information visit www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk
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