Some patients paid as little as £100 for treatments, or were even told they’d won a prize. But what they received was far from safe — and in many cases, the consequences have been devastating.
Victims have suffered:
The outbreak has revealed serious breaches in safety and regulation. Here’s what contributed to the crisis:
Botulinum toxin is the key ingredient in Botox and is one of the most potent biological substances known. In the hands of a trained medical professional, it can be used safely and effectively for cosmetic or medical purposes.
But when administered incorrectly or in uncontrolled amounts, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
If you’ve recently had injectable treatments and are feeling unwell, look out for the following signs:
These symptoms require urgent medical attention.
Your safety should never be compromised in the pursuit of cosmetic enhancement. Here’s how to protect yourself:
✅ Always ask to see the product box and prescription
✅ Only visit licensed and insured professionals
✅ Avoid suspiciously cheap or home-based deals
✅ Seek emergency medical care if symptoms appear
This outbreak serves as a harsh reminder that not all practitioners are created equal — and not all deals are worth the risk.
Protect yourself and others by spreading awareness. If something seems too cheap to be safe, it probably isn’t.
For more information and to find a medically qualified aesthetic practitioner, visit Save Face — the UK’s government-approved register of trusted professionals.
