EVENING STANDARD: Botox and lip fillers banned for under 18s under new law

Under 18s in the UK will now be banned from getting Botox or fillers under new legislation.

The “Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act" stops anyone under the age of 18 from accessing either procedure.

The Act will also require a doctor, registered medical practitioner, or a health professional to administer the jabs when there is a medical need in young people.

The new law passed through parliament this week and will come into force in autumn.

According to analysis by the Department for Health, 41,000 botulinum toxin procedures may have been carried out on under-18s in 2020 and more than 29,300 dermal filler procedures may have been performed on under-18s since over the past four years.

Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott introduced the Bill in January 2020 and gained cross-party support in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Speaking after the Bill was passed, Ms Trott said "no child needs cosmetic Botox or fillers.”

"I’m delighted that today my Bill has passed, banning the dangerous and unnecessary procedures which can ruin children’s lives.

"This is a big step forward in protecting young people, particularly women, from unscrupulous providers.

"I’m grateful for the cross-party support for these measures, and to the Department of Health – particularly Minister Nadine Dorries – for their support of the Bill."

Businesses will have several months to prepare for the new laws, train staff, and make any required changes.

Botulinum toxin (Botox), dermal fillers and laser hair removal account for nine out of 10 non-surgical treatments performed in the UK.

According to research from Save Face, a national register of accredited practitioners, there had been 73 per cent more complaints in the last year, with 81 per cent related to dermal filler treatments, and 13 per cent to Botox.

Ashton Collins, director at Save Face, said: “We are beyond delighted that this law has been passed.

"We have been campaigning for greater protection for young people who are being targeted, exploited, and harmed by unscrupulous practitioners since 2014.

"We are extremely grateful to Laura Trott MP for taking action on this extremely important issue and it has been a privilege to have been able to offer our support and contribute to her Bill.”