Seizure of Unlicensed Dermal Fillers & Botulinum Toxins

Boxes of dermal fillers, needles and vials of Botulinum toxin, worth thousands of pounds, were seized by officers from the Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Glasgow City Council's Environmental Health Officers and officers from the MHRA inspected the premises at an industrial estate in the north of the city after receiving complaints from the public and concerns raised by Police Scotland about the type of products being stored, distributed and sold from the premises.

During the inspection, enforcement officers from the MHRA seized a number of unauthorised aesthetic products including almost 400 non-compliant dermal fillers and 320 non-compliant needles/cannulas. More than 180 vials of unlicensed and suspected illegally traded botulinum toxin were also seized.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Glasgow's Convener of Neighbourhood Services, stressed the dangers of using unlicensed fillers and unprescribed Botulinum toxin.

He said: "The use of unlicensed and unauthorised products and unprescribed medicines in some aesthetics clinics is a serious concern. It is illegal and puts people's health at risk.

"Our Environmental Health team has received an increasing number of complaints about practices and procedures in Glasgow aesthetic clinics which don't need to register with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS)

"Demand for these types of procedures is high and we are also finding that practitioners are travelling around the UK to hold pop-up clinics in locations that are not suitable for this type of treatment.

"Environmental Health is currently investigating a recent incident where a woman was hospitalised after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure in a Glasgow hotel.

"People need to be extremely careful when considering undergoing cosmetic procedures. If they go wrong - the consequences can be painful, disfiguring and even require emergency medical treatment.

"Our Environmental Health officers are carrying out inspections of aesthetic clinics in the city to help safeguard the public and will continue to take enforcement action when required."

Andy Morling, MHRA Deputy Director (Criminal Enforcement), said: "Medicines like these are powerful and dangerous in the wrong hands, potentially leading to serious adverse health consequences. The criminals trading in these products are not only breaking the law, they also have no regard for people's safety.

"It is illegal to advertise, sell or supply medicines such as these without the appropriate authorisation. If you see these products, or any other powerful medicines, being sold on social media or elsewhere online, be very cautious. It's highly unlikely to be legitimate. You can help the MHRA take action by reporting concerns to us through our Yellow Card scheme.

"Our Criminal Enforcement Unit will continue working to protect your health by disrupting this harmful and illegal trade. We're grateful to our partners in Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland, for helping in our efforts to do this."

Botulinum toxin injections relax facial muscles to smooth out lines and wrinkles, such as crow's feet and frown lines. Dermal fillers are injected into the face and lips to fill lines and wrinkles and add volume to areas such as cheeks. Botulinum toxin, which is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) should only be used if prescribed by a competent person (e.g. doctor, nurse, etc.) and following a one-to-one consultation between the client and prescriber. The Botulinum toxins should also be labelled with the name of the person receiving the injections.

Aesthetics clinics which employ a medical professional such as a doctor, nurse or dentist, must be registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS). But there is no such requirement on those which don't employ a registered medical professional.

Anyone planning to have an aesthetic procedure should:

• Carry out research to identify reputable clinics employing competent aesthetic practitioners, who are sufficiently trained and have the necessary qualifications to carry out your procedure safely.
• Ensure the products being used are licensed, approved and intended for use within the UK.
• Prescription only medicines, such as Botulinum toxins and hyaluronidase should only be used if prescribed by a competent person (doctor, nurse, etc). Prescription Only Medicines should not be used without a prescription made out specifically to you.
• Prior to any procedures being carried out insist on a thorough consultation. When undergoing any procedure involving the use of a Prescription Only Medicine ensure a 1-1 consultation takes place between yourself and the prescriber.
• Ensure the premises where your procedure is taking place are clean and tidy and that suitable cleaning & disinfection of work surfaces and equipment is taking place. For example, a hotel meeting room would not be deemed a suitable environment for aesthetic procedures.
• Consider the treatment and price being offered - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

The Scottish Government is considering developing a Licensing Scheme for aesthetic activities.

Advice on beauty procedures is available here

Anyone with any concerns regarding aesthetic clinics or procedures carried out within Glasgow can email the council's Environmental Health department on ehdutyofficer@glasgow.gov.uk