Health warning issued after people fall ill following cosmetic procedures in Leeds area
Health officials have issued a warning after several people from Leeds and surrounding areas suffered serious reactions following cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin injections.
Health officials are investigating after several people in Leeds and surrounding areas suffered adverse reactions following cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin injections.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said a number of people had attended NHS healthcare settings after becoming unwell following the treatments.
Reported symptoms include severe drooping of the upper eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy.
Investigations are continuing involving UKHSA, local authorities, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and NHS services.
Health officials are also advising clinicians to be alert for signs of possible botulism in people who have recently undergone aesthetic procedures and are displaying symptoms.
UKHSA is urging people considering cosmetic treatments to take precautions when choosing practitioners and to ensure procedures are carried out safely.
Dr Martin Bewley, Consultant in Health Protection from UKHSA said: “While botulism is a rare infection, it can be serious. It is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
“There are effective treatments available and we recommend seeking medical advice if you have had a recent treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or drooping eyelids.
“Contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment. It is important to get checked out so you can have peace of mind and treatment if needed. Given the risks, it is also important to go to a licensed practitioner.”
With aesthetics procedures becoming increasingly popular on the high street, anyone considering a treatment is recommended to follow a simple checklist:
- Make sure your practitioner is wearing PPE and washing their hands.
- They should carry out a pre-consultation, including an assessment of your medical history and be happy to discuss their qualifications.
- As Botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox or Dysport, are prescription-only medicines, the practitioner should be able to tell you who the prescriber is.
- They should also provide you with a consent form for you to sign on the risks.