For beauticians, cosmetic training courses for as little as £150 taking only a couple of hours and being done online may sound appealing. It’s an extremely cost-effective, time-saving and convenient way of extending their service offerings for which they can charge substantial sums of money.
For clients of beauty salons, however, the ensuing unregulated procedures can cause disappointment at best; allergic reactions, scarring, bleeding, emotional trauma and irreversible damage as some of the worst outcomes.
According to an article in the Mail Online, secret filming has taken place for a BBC Three documentary titled ‘Under the Skin: The Botched Beauty Business’. The recordings have exposed all manner of dangerous treatments, such as thread lifts and Botox injections, being taught and administered by novices thereby posing a serious risk to the public.
Cosmetic training academies of ill repute permit anyone to attend courses, make no attempt to control infection and, according to the undercover nurse involved in the secret filming exercise, leave students without “the technical or practical capability to provide safe and comprehensive treatment”.
With beauty salons and clinics now fully reopen post lockdown, if you’re considering embarking upon any treatment, choose your beautician wisely and don’t be afraid to ask probing questions upfront. Remember, too, that the Beauty Treatment Claims team is here to help if your beauty treatment has gone wrong and you need to sue a beauty therapist.
Fuelled by social media, the beauty and aesthetics industry is apparently soon to be worth £3 billion. Despite the sector’s booming status, practitioners remain largely unregulated. In the meantime, the number of botched beauty treatments continues to rise rapidly.
It’s for this reason that BBC Three went undercover to produce a documentary titled ‘Under the Skin: The Botched Beauty Business’, available on the BBC website. An important cautionary note upfront here: the BBC’s video contains graphic scenes which some viewers might find upsetting to watch.
According to the BBC, unregulated training courses are leading to extreme injuries in beauty customers including two ladies featured in the half-hour film, Faye Page and Victoria Lee.
The first of these, brow technician Faye, underwent tip-lift filler in her nose causing stage two necrosis – that’s irreversible tissue decay – which could have cost Faye her nose if left unattended. When later assessed by celebrity cosmetic doctor, Dr Nyla Raja, a retinal scan was recommended to fully ascertain the extent of damage as it’s likely she was injected into the dorsal nasal artery which could have transferred into the supratrochlear artery, affecting vision.
The second of these, make-up artist Victoria, actually leaves the house for the first time since undergoing the botched treatment, other than to see her doctor, to be interviewed by documentary presenter, Anchal Seda. Although having Botox for ten years, she used a different practitioner. The treatment hurt and within a week, lumps appeared on her face which bled and oozed puss. She now has permanent facial scarring. It turns out that Victoria was one of nine patients botched by the same injector.
The overriding message of the documentary is the absolute need for education and government intervention in regulating beauticians. Both practitioners and their patients should be better educated in safety and the serious complications that can arise from procedures such as the vampire facial, lip filler, cheek and jawline filler, non-surgical nose job, thread lift, bum Botox, anti-wrinkle injection and laser skin treatment.
Necrosis has already been mentioned above. Other severe issues range from anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reactions) to vascular occlusion (blocked blood vessels). Read more about what can go wrong by visiting our blog.
Until such time as tighter regulation comes into force, practitioners can use the lack of a rule book to their advantage, even illegally promoting their courses as being Ofqual accredited, with attendees becoming certified after as little as two hours of training.
At Beauty Treatment Claims, we specialise in supporting individuals who’ve suffered harm by their beauty therapist. If you’ve been injured are considering suing a beauty salon or suing a beauty therapist, contact our legal team in confidence to make a compensation claim. Our free initial no-obligation assessment and ‘no win, no fee’ terms remove any financial worries you may have.
Beauty therapist applying treatment to a client’s face
59-year-old Jayne Bowman from Hampshire is struggling to leave her home over fears people will see the scars on her neck left behind after a botched fibroblasting beauty treatment. That’s according to a news report on the ITV website.
All about fibroblasting
To clarify, fibroblasting is the non-surgical, skin-tightening procedure that uses plasma and microbeams to trigger the production of collagen and elastin which, in turn, firm up the skin giving it a more youthful appearance.
Fibroblasting can be performed on many areas of the body, typically for facial wrinkles, lip lines, neck, jowls and imperfections such as acne scars and stretch marks. Results from fibroblasting are temporary, lasting from a couple of months to up to two years. Often, fibroblasting is coupled with other cosmetic procedures – dermal fillers, lip fillers and Botox amongst them.
Jayne Bowman’s fibroblasting disaster
The same as with any beauty treatment, there’s a risk of fibroblasting going wrong. To quote Jayne’s own words from the ITV report about what happened and the injuries she endured by her beauty therapist:
“I don’t go out without a scarf on. In fact, I don’t like going out at all. I’d rather go out in the rain where I’ve got a hood up and nobody can see me. I’m not slating all beauticians because they’re not all the same, but there are many of them out there that are bad. Stick to professional people.”
The unregulated beauty industry
Jayne’s story is a cautionary reminder about selecting a reputable, trained, registered practitioner for any treatment you’re considering having done. According to Save Face, the industry watchdog, 81% of its 2,083 complainants last year find their beauty therapist on social media via criteria such as cheap deals, number of followers and use of celebrity images. There can be serious consequences in choosing a therapist for one of these reasons as they’re not necessarily the safe option.
There are continued rallying calls for better regulation of the beauty industry. When you think of the harm that can be caused – blindness and disfigurement in the worst cases – it’s nigh time for the introduction of more robust safeguards to regulate providers and protect public health.
If you’ve been let down by your beauty salon, like Jayne, why not instruct a specialist solicitor for claims against beauty therapists? By doing so, you’ll receive the advice and support you need to secure compensation for your injuries – whether physical, psychological or both.
At Beauty Treatment Claims, this is our area of expertise. Our free initial no-obligation assessment and ‘no win, no fee’ terms thereafter ease the pressure at what is usually a very distressing time for our clients.
It might not be too much of an exaggeration to claim that most people are unhappy with their body shape. Getting thinner is an aesthetic goal that many of us aspire to, especially at the beginning of a new year when we’re setting resolutions for the months ahead.
Body dysmorphic disorder perhaps accounts for the growing demand for CoolSculpting – the non-surgical fat freezing procedure. CoolSculpting is an alternative to surgical treatments such as liposuction, undertaken by trained technicians.
If you’re curious to learn how CoolSculpting works, you’ve come to the right place. Here are your questions answered…
What exactly is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting involves a specialist vacuum-like, precisely controlled applicator which suctions targeted fat cells under the skin on areas such as your chin and jawline, thighs, abdomen, upper arms, flanks, back and buttocks. Once the machine is removed, your technician quickly massages out the ‘frozen’ areas. Your fat cells are essentially deep frozen – they die and are naturally expelled via your lymphatic system and metabolism process.
Are CoolSculpting results permanent?
In a word, no! While the fat that’s died won’t come back, fat can still grow if you gain weight. As part of the process, expect to be weighed before and after treatment. If you gain a few pounds, results will wear off. Treatment providers will promise more permanent results if you embark upon more than one set of treatment. Two or three sessions are recommended for larger areas.
Is CoolSculpting designed for areas large and small?
Following on from the above, some clarity. In theory, CoolSculpting can be used on any fatty area. In reality, it can prove difficult to administer to smaller areas due to the size of the applicators. Bigger, stubborn areas of fat are better suited to the CoolSculpting devices.
Will I instantly look better after CoolSculpting?
Possibly but not definitely. It’s unlikely you’ll look thinner walking out of your first treatment. The actual process takes time. As a general rule of thumb, 20-25% of fat’s reduced after two sessions and you’ll see the best results three to six months after this second session. Patience is a necessity.
Does CoolSculpting hurt?
CoolSculpting is advertised as being non-painful. The actual procedure might cause a level of discomfort because it’s extremely cold. The most uncomfortable part is the post-application massage as you could potentially feel the pressure only rather than the touch itself, thanks to the body area being icy-cold at this stage.
Are there side effects from CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting supposedly eliminates only fat cells and doesn’t impact other adjacent tissue, unlike certain other methods of fat reduction. It should allow for the immediate return to normal activities although redness may appear in the treated area, lasting from between a few minutes to a few hours. Some localised bruising or swelling may occur too – this is said to clear within a few weeks. A temporary dulling of sensation in the treated area has also been reported, lasting several weeks as well.
As with any beauty treatment, then, adverse reactions are not inconceivable. In the case of CoolSculpting, this could involve frostbite-type symptoms in addition to the aforementioned pain. To avoid any mishaps, check that your technician is using a legitimate CoolSculpting machine, ask about possible side effects and only proceed if your fears are alleviated. CoolSculpting is supported by extensive research and medical papers. Seek these out so that you’re fully informed ahead of your appointment.
In an era where we undergo beauty treatments on pretty much every part of our bodies in an attempt to reverse the signs of ageing and abolish perceived imperfections, our hands can typically be overlooked in our beauty regimes. But not anymore, so it seems.
When you think about it, our hands are exposed to the elements, and show visible signs of wear and tear as we grow older. Our hands are actually the biggest giveaway of how old we are, with brown spots, tendons, veins and wrinkly skin not uncommon.
If you worry about the appearance of your hands, you may be keen to learn about hand lift treatments. We’re here to enlighten you in what’s involved. There are two types of hand lifts, these being:
1. Injectable fillers
The same as anywhere else on our body that’s subjected to fillers, injections work to restore volume thereby making blood vessels and tendons less prominent. Typically, these fillers are hyaluronic acid which dissolve naturally over time and last for anything between nine months to two years.
With any injectables, side effects are a possibility including pain or discomfort and swelling. While this might sound bearable, it’s important to know that extreme reactions can happen from filler treatments. Although not specifically related to hand lifts, our ‘Horrific results from cheap £300 lip filler jabs’ and ‘Lip fillers disaster for hospitalised teenager’ blogs are essential background reading.
2. Laser therapy
The second hand lift option is laser therapy which uses light and heat to penetrate the dermis and stimulate collagen production. The result? Supposedly, plumper-looking skin, diminished lines and removed pigmentation.
To clarify, laser therapy is a pen-like device that’s attached to a machine, rolled over your hands in a grid pattern. This process itself can hurt and the heat setting adjusted if too painful. The skin will continue to feel sensitive for up to 24 hours post-treatment as well.
It’s advisable to undergo patch testing a couple of days before the main treatment in order to check for adverse reactions. A reputable beauty therapist will recommend doing so. This way, you’ll avoid nasty surprises and the pain that accompanies your body’s allergic response.
In sum, if you need a morale boost courtesy of more-youthful hands, this treatment could be right up your street, but make sure you’re au fait with all of the associated risks and be prepared to make a claim against your beauty therapist or salon if things go badly wrong. Our team comprises specialist solicitors for beauty salon accident claims.
Here in the UK, beauty treatments and tweakments continue to rise in popularity with rapid speed. According to latest figures, the dermal filler and Botox industry is worth £2.75 billion a year, accounting for nine out of ten cosmetic procedures.
Facial injectables promise all manner of enhancements, not just to the lips, but under the eyes, in the upper bridge, to the chin and on the forehead. As reported on Glamour Magazine’s website, you can improve these facial areas, and achieve ‘natural results’ and ‘more symmetrical, harmonised features’, courtesy of profile rebalancing.
Profile rebalancing explained
Profile rebalancing works by injecting hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers to various sections of the face – including the nose, lips, cheeks, chin and forehead, as mentioned above. Numbing cream is applied first for pain relief before a fine needle is used to inject small amounts of filler.
The same as any treatment of this type, people will react differently. For a general rule of thumb, you can expect results to last for six to twelve months; not as long for the lips, say two to three months.
The side effects of profile rebalancing
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body which means the fillers should dissolve over time. Although a supposedly minimally intrusive treatment, you can still experience pain, tenderness and bruising – not only during application but for up to two weeks thereafter. The right post-treatment care is essential to avoid side effects and worsening pain levels.
If you’re keen to trial this new(ish) beauty trend, always do your research fully and seek out an expert therapist. You’ll pay more for the service but it’s worth it in the longer run.
While treatments such as profile rebalancing are safer alternatives to full-on plastic surgery, they do still carry risks. You should understand these upfront. Armed with the warts-and-all facts and figures, you may decide that you prefer to embrace your natural beauty instead, despite the potentially unwelcome introduction of fine lines and wrinkles, lessening volume and other minor imperfections.
The other thing you need to know is what to do if your treatment goes wrong. That’s where your Beauty Treatment Claims team comes in. Simply contact us to discuss next steps towards making a compensation claim against your beauty therapist.
Craving beautiful eyelashes you don’t need to hide?
Following on from our recent ‘Lip fillers for Christmas? Think twice!’ blog, are you considering having any last-minute beauty treatments to look your best on Christmas Day and through the imminent seasonal festivities? If you’ve ever imagined long, curly, lustrous eyelashes without the daily tedium of mascara application and eyelash curling in the morning followed by washing off courtesy of make up remover in the evening, eyelash lifts might be on your Yuletide pampering agenda.
For the uninitiated, this is the cosmetic procedure whereby a CO2 laser is used to make small ablations – precise areas of damage – to the top layer of skin above the lash line causing upwards-pointing eyelashes instead of straight forwards or downwards-facing. Results are said to last for a year or more.
Although supposedly non-invasive, minimally painful and done in a controlled way to ensure eye protection, just as with any aesthetic beauty treatment, things can go wrong. Where lasers are concerned, particularly, there are risks – scarring, blistering, burns and infections amongst them. At best, you can expect discomfort and tenderness for a few days afterwards.
While we acknowledge lifted lashes which give the appearance of brighter, wider eyes may sound appealing at Christmas and throughout the year, don’t rush ahead and book your beauty salon appointment without doing your research first. Ask questions about safety precautions and potential side effects, and choose a therapist who’s recommended rather than deciding on price alone. As anyone who’s read our blog before knows, if the price quoted for a treatment seems too good to be true, it probably is.
In the festive run up, you might be thinking about beauty treatments to look your best for this year’s Christmas parties, especially after last year’s seasonal celebrations were cancelled due to Covid. With the growing popularity of treatments such as lip fillers, dermal fillers and Botox, facial injectables may be on your wish list.
If dental nurse Jenna Maclean’s story is anything to go by, think twice before you book your cosmetic-enhancing procedures.
You see, the week before Christmas in December 2020, Jenna underwent a cheap lip filler treatment. It was intended to fix the thin lips she’d always been disappointed with but actually caused severe disfigurement that left her looking as if she “didn’t have any teeth” and ruined Christmas Day.
Luckily for Jenna, her employer offers facial, body and medical aesthetic treatments as well as dental work. For the cost of £500, she was able to get her rogue fillers dissolved and new ones injected with no lasting damage.
Dr Rita Poddar at The Peppermint Group sums up what could have happened: “If Jenna’s artery had been injected, this would have caused tissue death, and if too much filler had been used, it would have compressed the vessels, creating problems in function and tissue viability. Despite appearances, Jenna had a lucky escape.”
On 1st October 2021, the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021 was made law, thereby preventing non-surgical cosmetic treatments involving Botox and other chemicals to be performed on anyone under the age of 18.
Like many supposedly non-intrusive, safe beauty treatments, Botox and filler injections can be seriously damaging to individuals of all ages, especially children. Harm caused can be anything from blindness and blood clots to necrosis of facial tissue (in which skin tissues die) and paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (disfigurement by hardened masses), plus many more life-changing side effects besides.
If Save Face and Department of Health figures are anything to go by, between 41,000 and 70,000 filler-type treatments were performed on under 18s in 2020 alone. The result is children’s lives being ruined because of beauty treatments gone wrong.
The issue of over 18s suffering at the hands of their beauty therapist remains and calls for action with regards to further industry regulation continue. Until such time that stricter regulation and legislation is introduced, the general public is still at risk of unscrupulous, unprofessional practitioners. If you’ve ever visited a beauty salon, this includes you.
Watch this space to find out what’s next for the aesthetics sector. In the meantime, if you’ve been hurt by your therapist – experiencing allergic reactions, emotional trauma or other injury in the process – make a claim after beauty salon negligence by emailing enquiries@beautytreatmentclaims.co.uk, calling 0800 141 3682 or 0333 202 6560, or completing our online enquiry form.
From Botox and chemical peels to lip fillers and microneedling, if you’re wondering what’s hot and what’s not in beauty this year, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve been analysing research undertaken by Dr Yusra Clinic in its ‘Beautified Britain Index: The Skin Report’, based on data drawn from Google searches, Google trends, news stories, professional industry bodies, consumer surveys and social media trends in order to ascertain what the post-pandemic beauty industry looks like.
In the period up to July 2021, there was an increase of 309% in Google searches for ‘skin care’, 89% in ‘best skin care’, 50% in ‘tweakments’ and 50% in ‘aesthetic treatments’. It seems that our skin habits have changed drastically during the past 19-plus months since Covid-19 arrived on the scene, driven largely by what we’ve all been through – endless Zoom calls, focus on social media and a plethora of psychological problems.
Here’s what you can expect to see beauty-wise throughout the rest of 2021 and into 2022…
Tweakments
It’s anticipated that the non-surgical market will be worth £3 billion by 2024. Apparently, 1 in 4 people would now consider having an aesthetic treatment, or tweakment, to give their skin a boost. It’s not necessarily about anything noticeable – just subtle non-surgical procedures to create radiance.
Zoom face adjustments
Called multiple things – Zoom face, tech neck, pandemic droop, lockdown face whatever – all the time we’ve spent in online meetings, seeing our own faces reflected back to us warts-and-all on a computer screen, has caused multiple face and body insecurities. There’s huge demand for treatments such as Botox, fillers, skin resurfacing, neck rejuvenation and jawline contouring – both surgical and non-surgical.
Glow look
Glowing, shiny, radiant skin is a trending topic on social media platforms. To quote some figures, the #glowup hashtag has generated 29.6 billion views on TikTok and 5.3 million views on Instagram. Skin booster injections are on the rise – these smoothen the skin texture, address fine lines and wrinkles, and add luminosity.
Not-quite-natural
There are also some trends towards embracing what nature’s provided and avoiding the over-done Instagram face. With celebrity no make-up selfies gathering momentum, the general public are seeking to emulate this pared-down beauty. This means getting fillers removed – lip, chin and cheek fillers – as well as having hyaluronic acid skin-booster injections for radiance.
Skincare-enhancing technology
The technology gadgets market is set to grow by 7.5% over the next five years, thanks to individuals wanting a spa-level experience at home and in-clinic treatments like fibre optic lasers for skin tightening and microneedling device for resolving textural skin issues. Amongst other options are cleansing wands, LED masks, facial cryotherapy, electrical muscle stimulation and Coolsculpting treatments.
Male grooming
The male grooming market is predicted to reach $166 billion in 2022. Sought-after male tweakments comprise injectable fillers and non-surgical nose jobs to improve the facial profile and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and lip fillers for added volume, to name a few. The term ‘Brotox’ has generated 4.9 million Instagram views with ‘Instaman’ standing at 217.3 thousand.
And more…
From hybrid treatments whereby clients are having virtual pre- and post-treatment consultations via video call to skinimalism which celebrates our imperfections in all their forms to acne (or ‘maskne’) problematic skin conditions accelerated by the pandemic, you can discover the full findings of Dr Yusra Clinic’s findings in their entirety at dryusra.com/the-skin-report.
At this stage, it’s important to highlight what can go wrong during beauty treatments, including those of the non-surgical variety. Our ‘Wild West beauty sector needs regulating’ and ‘The dangers of unregulated beauty treatments’ blogs are real eye openers. Allergic reactions, disfigurement, emotional trauma and infections are not uncommon.
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