Ashley will tell her story this week as a new report found half of women have had to get medical help and 15% have ended up in hospital
Half of women who have undergone non-surgical cosmetic procedures required medical assistance afterwards, and 15% ended up in hospital or A&E. Highlighting the findings on This Morning this week, the research aims to raise awareness of the rise of ‘cosmetic cowboys’ in the rapidly-growing aesthetics industry and what viewers should look out for if undergoing treatments themselves.
The investigation found that half the cosmetic procedures happened in non-clinical settings including living rooms or kitchens. Respondents also said half of aesthetic procedures were not carried out by someone medically qualified.
A third of the women that took part admitted that they would go to someone who is not medically qualified to save money on a procedure. This Morning’s GP Dr Zoe Williams said: “I was shocked by the results of our This Morning survey. I understand that cosmetic procedures are highly attractive and a low price tag is incredibly tempting but I urge our viewers to be vigilant, advocate for themselves and ask questions to ensure the treatments they are receiving are safe.”
She said: “As an absolute minimum you should have evidence that the person is appropriately qualified and if injectables are being used, knowledge of who has prescribed them.”
In an exclusive interview on today’s show, three women will share their own real-life stories and the reality of botched procedures after having to seek emergency hospital treatment after being injected with ‘fake botox’. One of the women, Lynsey Wanless, said: “I went to get botox in someone’s house, I’ve had it before so I didn’t think it would be an issue. I had no idea anti-wrinkle treatments could be dangerous but nine days later I was in hospital. I felt like my body was shutting down and I couldn’t breathe. This has ruined my life.”
Tomorrow, This Morning regular, Ashley James, Made in Chelsea and Celebrity Big Brother star, will also candidly open up her own experience and says: “There’s so much shame and secrecy surrounding non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and yet so many people – especially women – are having them, whether they admit it or not.
“This Morning’s investigation made me realise that I’d never thought to check whether anyone giving me botox was medically qualified, or whether the products being used were licensed in the UK. I’d just assumed they were. That’s frightening. I wish I’d known more about the risks from the start, and I know I’m not alone.”
During the discussions on the show over the next couple of days, viewers will hear practical advice and guidance from Save Face, who operate a Government-approved register to find accredited practitioners.
Save Face Director, Ashton Collins said: “The figures collated as part of This Morning’s investigation correlate with the patient reported complaints we have gathered over the past decade. It is alarming that so many people prioritise potential cost savings over their health and their appearance. Cheap treatments often indicate that corners are being cut and that practitioners are using unlicensed products that are being illegally imported from abroad.
“Over the last five years, we’ve seen a significant increase in reports of complications caused by unlicensed medicines and devices. It is extremely frustrating that the laws in place to prevent this are so poorly enforced.
“In light of this new investigation by ITV’s This Morning, Save Face are urging the government to act on our urgent request for a dedicated task force to ensure that existing laws are effectively enforced and that high-risk procedures are banned on the high street.”
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player