What’s really in your anti-wrinkle injection?

Aesthetic treatments hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons this summer when the UK Health Security Agency revealed 38 cases of botulism poisoning had been recorded in England in just six weeks. The cause? The suspected use of unlicensed anti-wrinkle injections. Read on as the health experts at YourGP reveal the risks of choosing an unqualified, unregistered aesthetician and why change is required urgently in this largely unregulated industry.

What are anti-wrinkle injections made of?

Anti-wrinkle injections are made from small, purified doses of botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. Larger amounts of this toxin can cause botulism – a potentially life-threatening condition.

Symptoms of botulism include slurred speech, droopy eyelids, double vision, weak facial muscles, difficulty swallowing, and breathing difficulties.

And this is why it is crucial that only licensed anti-wrinkle injections should be administered by qualified and trained professionals in clinical settings. Only when this criteria is met can a patient have confidence that any risk of botulism has been minimised.

Change is coming

Choosing an unqualified and unregistered aesthetician to administer an anti-wrinkle injection treatment puts the patient at a much higher risk of developing complications such as infections, burns, scarring, facial paralysis, blocked arteries, blindness and stroke. Thankfully, change is coming and Scotland is leading the way.

It has been announced that Scotland will become the first country in the UK to introduce an Aesthetics Regulation Bill, set to become law in May 2026. The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill is a major step forward in terms of protecting patient safety and it is especially welcomed by the team here at YourGP who have been calling for tighter restrictions for several years.

You can read a few of our articles on the topic here:

• Aesthetic treatments – why it’s always best to choose a medical professional
• The risks of unregulated aesthetic treatments
• Why medical training matters when it comes to aesthetic treatments

What makes YourGP the safest choice for aesthetic treatments?

YourGP offers a range of medical aesthetic treatments, including injectables such as anti-wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers. Before proceeding with any treatment, every patient is expected to have a complimentary consultation. This consultation takes the form of an in-depth chat with the doctor who will explain how each treatment works, assess your suitability, and answer any questions you might have.

For added reassurance, here are the various ways YourGP is committed to raising the bar when it comes to aesthetic treatments:

• All aesthetic non-surgical cosmetic procedures at YourGP are carried out by fully qualified, regulated medical professionals.
• YourGP is regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland – the regulator for independent healthcare services across Scotland.
• YourGP is also registered with the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP).
• We pride ourselves on our ethical and medical based service with all the governance that is assured from the General Medical Council.
• One of our practising doctors holds a VTCT level 7 diploma in clinical aesthetic injectable treatments.
• We are committed to using only genuine licenced products sourced from legitimate suppliers.
• We ensure all our equipment is safe and clean.
• We fully understand the importance of patient consent and their understanding of possible outcomes.

Book an appointment

If you would like to find out more about safe and effective aesthetic treatments at YourGP, you can book an appointment via our simple online booking system, or you can email reception@your.gp or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.