“The demand for interventions like Botulinum Toxin and fillers continues to grow, but the legislation hasn’t caught up.” Says Dr. Doireann O’Leary. Given her longstanding advocacy in raising awareness for better regulation within the aesthetic field, it’s unsurprising that Dr. Doireann O’Leary welcomes Minister Leo Varadkar’s announcement of new measures being drafted to enhance control within the industry.
“I welcome Minister Varadkar’s commitment to legislating an inadequately regulated industry to protect consumers here in Ireland. These measures are urgently required to shield them from the possibility of life-threatening or life-altering injuries.
Aesthetics is a rapidly evolving and growing industry. Consumers need to be protected so they can safely access aesthetic care from qualified professionals.”
As far back as 2020, Dr. Doireann O’Leary interviewed Consultant Surgeon Dr. Eilis Fitzgerald from Beacon Hospital on her podcast to highlight the need for consumer awareness and stricter regulations within the field of aesthetics – but it isn’t until Mr. Varadkar’s announcement today, following RTE’s shocking Prime Time Documentary: Botox & Beauty At Any Cost, that an updated legislation is in the pipeline.
Many people are unaware that Botox is a prescription medication, and that shockingly, there are no legal requirements for training to administer filler injections, which can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
“Botox is a prescription medication, meaning only a Dentist, Doctor or prescribing nurse is legally permitted to administer it. Unfortunately, there are some non-medics getting their hands on Botulinum Toxin (“Botox”) and administering it nonetheless.
Dermal filler, on the other hand, is classed as a “medical device”. This means it is not a prescription medication. Anyone can buy it online, and anyone can administer it legally, without any training or qualifications.
It has become commonplace for people with no training, qualifications or medical background to set up clinics that offer filler. These people have no training in facial anatomy. They do not know what they do not know – sometimes referred to as “unconscious incompetence”.
Dermal filler injections, in the wrong hands, can lead to death of flesh (“tissue necrosis”), infection of the skin which can lead to life threatening cellulitis and sepsis, and even blindness. These “practitioners” also don’t know about the safe storage of fillers, maintaining aseptic technique, etc.”
So how can individuals seeking these services assess the qualifications of potential providers? What indicators suggest they are in capable hands?
“A quick and easy way to assess if someone is suitably equipped to administer Botox and/or filler, is to ask them if they can write a prescription. If they can, that’s a good sign. If attending a doctor, check that they’re registered with The Irish Medical Council. Nurses are registered at The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, and dentists at The Dental Council of Ireland.
Ask injectors if they have on site access to Hyaluronidase, the reversal agent for dermal filler. Remember that even in the best, most competent and qualified hands, complications can occur. And of course, don’t feel pressure to undergo a procedure if you have any doubts.”