New calls for regulation of Botox

Botox is not registered for cosmetic use

The lack of regulation for cosmetic treatments such as Botox is to be raised at the Scottish Parliament.

The Conservative spokeswoman for health and wellbeing, Mary Scanlon, said she wanted the government to look at the increased use of such treatments.

Her move comes after a BBC Scotland investigation found one in 10 clinics, hairdressers and beauty salons were not sticking to standards for using Botox.

About 40 premises were contacted as part of the investigation.

Ms Scanlon said many people did not realise they were injecting toxins when being given Botox.

Speaking on BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme, she said: "It is not licensed for use as a cosmetic aid, it is in fact licensed for the release of muscle spasms and the management of sweating of the armpits.

'Cause for concern'

"There are causes for concern because it can lead to double vision, facial paralysis and there are worries that it shouldn't be administered to patients with neurological disorders."

She said it was time for the Scottish Government to have a new look at its regulation.

Consultant David Souter, who represents plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons, said his members saw the problems caused by incorrect use of Botox.

"You see over-injection of muscle groups giving people an enormous twisted look as if one side of their face is working and the other side is totally paralysed," he said.