American woman arrested for administering Botox illegally

Woman arrested practicing botox illegallyAn American beautician based in Florida has been arrested for administering Botox illegally, and for claiming to be a qualified nurse. In the US it’s a legal requirement for those offering non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox and fillers to be medically qualified and to hold specific registration to practice.

The beautician, Sheri Goldman, had listed her profession at her beauty salon as nurse, when in fact she has no medical qualifications whatsoever. She advertised her salon and its services on Groupon, which her listed credentials including ‘surgical nurse’. She was arrested for unlicensed practice of a healthcare profession, which is a third degree crime in the US, punishable by up to five years imprisonment.

There are also other charges against her, for the same crime but in another area of Florida.

With laws soon to be introduced in the UK to regulate who can offer Botox we may well see similar cases of unqualified practitioners knowingly (or unknowingly) flouting the law, with similar repercussions.

Cosmetic Courses are an established provider of medical aesthetic training. For information on any of our courses, please contact the team on on 01844 390110 or email [email protected].

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Should Botox injections be age restricted?

During and since the publication of the Keogh Review, there has been much discussion over the use and regulation of cosmetic procedures, with a lot of focus on unregulated non-invasive procedures. The recommendations have centred around introducing regulation regarding who can offer such procedures, as well as regulating the products themselves.

It did not go as far as recommending age restrictions for these treatments however, and it’s a question the industry itself sometimes raises. The rise in the number of people in their twenties seeking Botox, and in some cases even fillers, has been well-documented. But is it necessary at that age, and should caution be exercised?

There are generally two points of view on the matter – either that Botox can be a useful preventative measure or that it is unwise to treat at this age and that it can even cause some immunity to the procedure.

Reality shows like TOWIE, that openly discuss and even televise such procedures, are perhaps helping to pave the way for young people to follow suit and subscribe to anti-ageing procedures (or, arguably, the shows are merely reflecting reality). But either way it’s a trend that is showing no signs of abating.

There is something to be said of Botox as a preventative measure – by freezing the muscles it means they are being used less frequently and so the lack of movement will mean wrinkles aren’t being created. Proponents of early Botox use cite this as the primary reason for its efficacy as this age.

However, some studies have revealed that early or heavy use can result in the muscles becoming reliant on the injections, in which case greater and greater doses are required to achieve the same effect. Those who are concerned with the psychological effects of too much plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures worry that it increases the likelihood of people becoming addicted to it.

Most practitioners will exercise restraint and not offer Botox where there are no wrinkles present. However often fine lines can occur during the twenties and so use at this age continues to be debated.

Cosmetic Courses offer training in Botox treatment, as well as a range of other non-surgical procedures, to medical professionals entering the aesthetic industry. For details on any of our courses, contact the team on 01844 390110 or email [email protected]

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Is Botox safe during pregnancy?

Kim Kardashian’s latest media circus involves speculation that she is still undergoing regular Botox treatments despite being 7 months into her pregnancy. Though the American socialite has neither confirmed or denied the reports that are circulating throughout US and now global tabloids, the question on many people’s lips is – if true, will this do harm to her unborn baby?

Whilst we can’t comment on the validity of the claims and therefore offer no opinion on this specific case, it is worth visiting the subject on a general basis. There is no evidence that Botox travels beyond the area in which it is injected, and in theory this would extend to meaning it would not reach an unborn baby via the placenta. That said, there is no conclusive evidence that it does not, given that it would be impossible to test this on pregnant mothers and their unborn babies.

Corroborative evidence would suggest that it is safe and indeed prescription Botox is sometimes carried out on expectant mothers suffering from other conditions that require it, such as chronic migraines or cervical dystonia (problems with posture and movement, usually in the neck and shoulders). Currently doctors are allowed to continue with Botox treatment in these cases.

There are also no regulations that prevent practitioners from offering Botox for cosmetic reasons to pregnant women. That said, most who administer it will not offer it to pregnant women for cosmetic reasons alone. This is because the reason for the Botox is seen as non-essential, and therefore the safety of the unborn foetus is given greater precedence.

Cosmetic Courses are one of the UK’s most established medical aesthetic training providers. For information on our Botox training, or any of our other aesthetic courses, contact the team on 01844 390110 or email [email protected] for more information on any of our training courses.

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The Keogh Review – What will it mean for cosmetic training?

The Keogh Review of plastic surgery’s findings published last month included recommendations that will likely be put in to practice and therefore enforceable by law. These will have ramifications for the entire industry and for those practising within it.

Notably, its recommendations for new regulations for non-invasive procedures. It’s recommended that those who administer procedures such as Botox and fillers will need to have proper training and qualifications and will need to be medical professionals.

So what will this mean?

1. Increased number of courses available

Though it has not yet been made clear what specific qualification will be required or the body designing it, it is nonetheless apparent that the number of courses for practitioners to earn the qualifications will see a huge increase in number. It’s rare for universities to offer courses in this field currently yet it’s likely that courses for non-invasive procedures will rise throughout colleges and universities.

2. Increased cost for training

New training qualifications and courses (including guidelines, syllabus, examining etc) will likely result in increased costs to train and obtain the relevant qualification. It’s possible that training now will avoid the higher costs that may arise once the regulations come in to law.

3. Increased, but better competition

Although an increased number of courses may result in more practitioners, the upshot is that you will be working in a regulated industry where you do not have to compete with less than scrupulous individuals or clinics.

For information about our range of aesthetic training courses, contact the team on 01844 390110 or email [email protected].

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UK’s first anti-ageing fair for the public a huge success

Although trade and training fairs for the aesthetic industry have been around for some time, last weekend saw the UK’s first anti-ageing fair intended primarily for the general public.

Held at London’s Olympia, The Anti-Ageing, Health and Beauty Show was aimed at customers rather than merely professionals practising in the industry. The two-day event was attended by practitioners ranging from cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists to beauticians and yoga teachers, all on hand to educate the crowds about their particular branch of aesthetic medicine or healthcare.

Although the premise was essentially an anti-ageing one it included an overall approach to wellbeing.

New products and techniques were on display at the busy fair (in all, the weekend attracted about 11,000 visitors), including Botox, filler and collagen treatments being performed there and then. Amongst the potential customers were other professionals also interested in the latest offerings within the industry.

The fair’s organisers heralded the event a successful one with plans to arrange a second and for it to become an annual fixture. Carol Mracek commented:

“The show has been fantastic, we are delighted with both the exhibitors and the speakers. The consumer response has been overwhelming, visitors have been coming up-to us and commenting on how much they have enjoyed the show.

“The Anti-Ageing Health & Beauty show is committed to showcasing the very best anti-ageing products and services available on the global market”.

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The ‘new Botox’ – or Frotox – arrives in the UK

One London clinic is now offering a Californian-produced alternative to Botox which promises the same results minus the toxins, which may come as welcome news to those who are interested in the results of the treatment but uncomfortable with the thought of what is in it.

iovera has been dubbed ‘Frotox’ due to its use of cryotherapy, effectively freezing, to produce the same results as Botox. Its results are said to be instantaneous as opposed to the few days that it can take for Botox to take effect. However its lifespan is slighter shorter lasting a maximum duration of four months.

Developed by medical technology group myoscience, it currently tackles forehead lines (running vertically or horizontally) through administering the treatment to either temple. A device filled with liquid nitrogen is placed next to the nerves which freezes the muscles used to control particular wrinkles. Advocates suggest that the accuracy of the nerve targeting is such that it still allows movement in the muscle.

The treatment lasts for 15 minutes and is so far retailing at £300 at a Harley Street Clinic. Some detractors insist that it poses no viable alternative to Botox, which has been used for several years, until its long-term safety and capability has been demonstrated.

Cosmetic Courses are the UK’s first surgeon led Botox course provider. Contact the team on 01844 390110 or email [email protected] for more information on any of our training courses.

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Keogh Review calls for qualifications for non-invasive treatments including Botox and dermal fillers

Initial findings from the Keogh Review, the committee set up to investigate the aesthetic medicine industry and its standards, have been released, the results of which show the need for greater regulation for the industry, particularly where non-invasive procedures are concerned.

Currently there is no law or industry regulation that makes qualifications to administer non-invasive procedures mandatory and this review is set to change that. It was also expected that only medical professionals (doctors, nurses and dentists) would be able to carry out the procedures however that tenet has so far not been decided upon.

In a burgeoning and ever-growing industry it’s important that standards are met and introducing regulation is one way of ensuring this will happen. It also provides the patient with an extra degree of trust and certainty, and offers better protection if things go wrong. On discussing these finding Sir Bruce Keogh said:

“All too often we hear of cases that shine a light on poor practices in the cosmetic surgery industry. I am concerned that some practitioners who are giving non-surgical treatments may not have had any appropriate training whatsoever. This leaves people exposed to unreasonable risks, and possibly permanent damage.

“Our research has shown that the public expect procedures that are so widely available to be safe, whereas they are largely unregulated.

“There is a clear need for better quality, recognised training for the people performing these operations. My review will make a number of recommendations for making sure people who choose to undergo these procedures are in safe hands.”

The review committee has also been examining possible regulation of industry advertising and how treatments and procedures are sold. This includes bulk and time-restricted deals, which encourage the patient (or customer) to buy quickly or more than they need.

BAAPS president Rajiv Grover welcomes these initial findings:

“We agree that specialised training is required and [it should be] certainly more extensive than the many widely-promoted weekend courses currently available, but aesthetic injectibles should only ever be provided by medical professionals.”

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Botox can help athletes overcome vocal chord condition

A relatively common condition for athletes can often be misdiagnosed as asthma, but if detected can be treated easily enough through a combination of treatments including Botox for the vocal chords. Although it can be brought about by stress or anxiety it is also commonly linked to increased physical exertion, hence why athletes can be at increased risk of suffering from it.

It’s believed an estimated 5% of professional athletes suffer from Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder (PVFMD) which constricts the vocal chords and can impact the ability to breathe. It also causes coughing whilst exercising and because of these symptoms, which are very similar to those caused by asthma, it can often be missed therefore remain untreated.

The two conditions are in fact often linked – 40% of asthma sufferers will also have PVFMD. What will quite regularly happen is the asthma will be detected and treated but the PVFMD won’t be, in which case the athlete will still suffer from its symptoms.

When it is diagnosed correctly treatment will usually consist of multiple solutions. These will likely include vocal chord retraining therapy and also Botox, carried out by various professionals. An ENT specialist with Botox training would be required, as well as a vocal chord therapist and possibly also a sports psychologist who would deal with the impact it has mentally.

Non-athletes who suddenly take up an increased exercise programme can also suffer from the condition.

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Botox and Filler Training: Movements in the News?

Recently in the press, the issue of Botox and Filler training and who can be trained has come to light. Due to legislation only medically trained professionals are able to teach but also learn how to inject Botox and fillers.

At Cosmetic Courses we only offer our training to medical professionals – our delegates being a mixture of Doctors, Dentists and Nurses. Our delegates have to be medically qualified and registered with one of the following: General Medical Council, General Dental Council or Nursing and Midwifery Council. This ensures that our delegates are fully licensed to practise within the UK.

In one case an untrained man has been caught teaching Botox and Fillers to beauty therapists, who cannot legally participate in these courses as they lack the required medical qualifications. The man training the beauty therapists was sentenced to time in prison due to the severity of his actions.

This is unfortunate for those trained by him, as they naturally believed the certificate he provided was authentic and allowed them to practise. However, as any respected  non-surgical training provider will know, beauty therapists are not allowed to perform Botox and Dermal Filler treatments.

Therefore it is essential that at Cosmetic Courses we offer our training to the correct delegates. We are CPD certificated as well as having a working partnership with Hamilton Fraser, our insurance company, to ensure this.

Through training with Cosmetic Courses you get the security that our highly trained professional team are there for continued support, from helping you when you start your new career choice to the finer details that may occur throughout your career.

Furthermore, all our trainers are experienced and registered with the relevant medical governing bodies, so they are fully qualified to teach and perform Botox and Filler treatment in line with the regulations and legislations currently in place in the UK.

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