An investigation conducted by The Mirror newspaper has found a high proportion of aesthetic clinics agreeing to dermal filler consultations for under-18s.
It is illegal to provide any injectable treatments to under-18s in accordance with the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021, but after contacting 50 clinics across the UK, The Mirror found that only nine asked for proof of age.
On top of this, eight in-person clinic visits were arranged with 17-year-old prospective patients; only two out of these clinics asked for age verification immediately, and seven said they were suitable for treatment and offered them treatments. Neither of the girls went on to receive any filler.
Ashton Collins, director of Save Face, said this was “gravely irresponsible.” She continued, “Young girls perceive [filler] as a low risk beauty treatment as opposed to a medical intervention and will seek out providers who do not take appropriate measures to verify that they are over 18.”