Thinking about getting Botox or a similar wrinkle-relaxing treatment? While these procedures can deliver fantastic results when done safely, there’s a serious risk when they're performed by unqualified people using unlicensed products. A recent outbreak of botulism in the UK has highlighted just how dangerous these treatments can be if you're not careful. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.
What happened?
In summer 2025, dozens of people in the UK developed a rare and potentially life-threatening illness called botulism after receiving unregulated “Botox-like” injections. These treatments were often carried out in beauty salons or homes by people without proper medical training, using products that were fake or not approved for use in the UK.
What is botulism?
Botulism is a serious condition caused by a powerful toxin that can paralyse muscles. In cosmetic treatments, this toxin is usually injected in very small, controlled doses to relax facial muscles. But if too much is used—or if it spreads beyond where it’s supposed to—it can lead to severe problems, such as:
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Drooping eyelids
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Blurred or double vision
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Slurred speech
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Difficulty swallowing
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In extreme cases, breathing problems may require hospital treatment
These symptoms can appear hours or even weeks after your treatment.
Why are unregulated injections dangerous?
There are several reasons unregulated treatments are risky:
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Fake or unapproved products: These may contain harmful or untested ingredients.
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Poor hygiene and safety: Treatments outside clinical settings may not follow proper sterilisation or emergency procedures.
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Lack of medical knowledge: Untrained injectors may not understand facial anatomy, proper dosing, or what to do if something goes wrong.
Real-life consequences
Some people affected by the outbreak needed emergency care and breathing support. One woman was even misdiagnosed with a stroke before doctors realised it was botulism caused by her cosmetic injections.
How to stay safe
Here’s what you can do to make sure your treatment is both safe and effective:
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Choose a qualified medical professional – This should be a doctor, dentist, or nurse trained in aesthetics.
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Only go to licensed clinics – Avoid treatments in salons, homes, or hotel rooms.
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Ask about the product – Legitimate brands should come in sealed, approved packaging with traceable batch numbers.
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Have a proper consultation – You should never be injected without a face-to-face assessment.
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Know the warning signs – If you experience difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing after treatment, seek medical help immediately.
Why regulation matters
This outbreak has shown that cosmetic procedures aren’t just beauty treatments—they’re medical procedures that require proper training, oversight, and products. Many industry experts are calling for tighter regulations to protect the public from harm.
Final thoughts
When done properly, wrinkle-relaxing injections can be safe, subtle, and confidence-boosting. But the risks of going to the wrong person are real, and sometimes life-threatening. Always put your health first.
For peace of mind, find a trusted and verified clinic on ConsultingRoom.com – where safety in aesthetics comes first.
About Safety in Aesthetics
ConsultingRoom.com is proud to lead the Safety in Aesthetics campaign – promoting high standards, transparency, and accountability across the non-surgical cosmetic industry. We believe everyone deserves access to safe, ethical, and medically-supervised treatments.
🔎 Learn more about how we're raising standards and supporting patient safety:
👉 www.consultingroom.com/safety-in-aesthetics
