The Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA) is calling for the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to investigate claims made in a story published by News Corp, on Australians hosting ‘Botox parties’ involving alcohol and using illegally procured botulinium toxin.
The article references two separate parties; one in which the products used were procured from overseas providers, meaning they were procured illegally. Partygoers were alleged to be under the influence of drinks and drugs, meaning informed consent is null and void, and there would have been no aftercare provided. The second group allegedly were given a consultation with a GP based in India via conference call.
Unless the GP is registered in Australia, such an act is illegal.
“It is difficult to imagine a more dangerous set of circumstances for the administration of this procedure – a seemingly unqualified person, providing illegally-procured treatments, in an unhygienic setting, all whilst people may be intoxicated,” said CPCA spokesperson, Dr Cath Porter. “Cosmetic medicine is a three-dimensional skill, requiring a full and detailed one-on-one consultation by a medical practitioner who possesses suitable expertise in patient psychology, as well as medical conditions and comorbidity, which can effect patient management.
“This is a fine example of why the College has been pushing the MBA to implement our policy. We believe that these issues would not be commonplace if the policies were in place and enforced by the MBA and AHPRA. The restrictions we place on members on the use of teleconsulting really must be applied to all practitioners, including nurses, to protect patient safety, in particular, that the signing off doctor must have cosmetic qualifications. It really begs the questions, was the doctor in question registered to practice in Australia, let alone a cosmetic doctor?”
Research released by the CPCA in May 2016 found that one in 10 Australians admitted to having their last non-surgical cosmetic treatment performed in a home setting, rather than a doctor’s clinic – double the number from 2015.