DOCTORS have slammed "deadly" YouTube videos that show how to inject cosmetic fillers and Botox into your own face.
The online clips encourage people to inject dermal fillers at home, rather than paying the average £200 to £500 cost at a clinic.
But now experts have called for the videos to be removed, saying viewers risk infection, blood poisoning and even death if they get it wrong.
Leading UK surgeon Dr Bashar Bizrah, founder of the Beyond Med Centre clinic in London, says viewers need to exercise extreme caution.
He warned: “YouTube videos showing so-called ‘DIY’ dermal filler methods are extremely dangerous.
“By attempting to follow them you're risking infection.
“If you accidentally inject into a blood vessel, you risk the death of tissue and permanent scarring.
“In rare circumstances, it could even lead to blood poisoning and death.
“I would plead that no one ever administers their own filler.
“Leave it to a trusted medical expert who has had years of training and is fully understanding of the anatomy of the face.”
If you accidentally inject into a blood vessel, you risk blood poisoning and even death in rare cases
Filler injections – which are popular for the lips, chin, jaw, mid-face and below the eyes – are used to plump features, target wrinkles, increase volume and to make patients look younger.
One shocking YouTube video shows an American woman, who blogs as ‘And Justice For All by K.C’, injecting fillers in her lips and chin.
The clips are titled "Instructional video for self injecting derm fillers" and "Lip Injections…Do It Yourself".
Together they’ve been viewed almost 30,000 times.
And while K.C advises to only buy fillers made by recognised brands, she admits injecting herself as a way to save money.
She says: “Once it started to get too expensive I actually got my own products and have been doing it myself. And it's been working out.
“If I were you I would not inject everything in one sitting but in stages. However, by the end of the week there might be an area that you missed.
“Sometimes you may hit a blood vessel, but you can look for them. You can see them, depending on the colour of your skin.”
Worryingly, she adds, “I see a vessel right there”, pointing to one side of her chin.
Pointing to the other side, and a red patch, she admits: “This one I didn't see on my skin at all and I hit it a tiny bit.
“But that's fine, it should go away. I'll be rid of the bruising in a couple of days, so it's nothing permanent…”
Self-injection of cosmetic fillers is an extremely dangerous practice. Side effects could include infection, permanent disfiguration and blindness
Another YouTuber, Azadeh Amjadi, shows users how to inject fillers – and Botox – into themselves.
She warns people “not to try this on yourself at home – you need knowledge and background in medicine to do this.”
But she goes on to describe in detail how to self-inject fillers and Botox into her lips, cheeks and forehead.
Dr Thiviyani Maruthappu, Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, has backed Dr Bizrah’s warning.
She said: “Self-injection of cosmetic fillers is an extremely dangerous practice.
“There are many serious complications of filler injections that need to be carefully considered by even the most experienced practitioner.
“Side effects could include infection and permanent disfiguring ulceration due to skin death.
“And, in extreme cases, permanent blindness from accidental injection of filler into blood vessels around the eye.
“Cosmetic fillers should only be performed by an experienced and qualified practitioner with a detailed understanding of both facial anatomy and the management of potential complications.”
How to have Botox and fillers safely
You should always do your research and take time to find a reputable practitioner.
Save Face, which is a government-approved register, provides a list of people who are qualified here.
Make sure the treatment is carried out in a clean, safe and appropriate environment.
Before you have Botox or fillers you should always ask your consultant what qualifications they have, what brands they're using and if they've been extensively tested.
People with damaged nerves or muscle complaints should make sure whoever is carrying out Botox treatment is aware of this.
And Botox, along with fillers, is not advised for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have problems take up the issues with your practioner as soon as possible.
And if you need medical attention, go straight to your GP or local A&E.
Some YouTubers were also quick to warn other viewers about the potential dangers.
One commented on K.C’s videos, saying: “Please don't listen to this lady NEVER INJECT FILLERS OR BOTOX on your own.
“YOU MUST KNOW THE ANATOMY of the face and have experience. You can inject a vessel and block blood flow, this is a medical emergency.”
Another told of her horror, adding: “Are you serious? She’s not a nurse or a doctor clearly and is self injecting. This is dangerous, cringe-worthy and stupid.
“Injecting in front of a sketchy lamp in a non sterile environment (a dirty bathroom), no experience or credentials and literally everything you’re saying is incorrect.
“In the U.S you must be a doctor to inject or an NP. What are you doing?! This is so dangerous and I’m scared for you. This is actually frightening.”
UK law currently allows anyone – including beauticians who are not medically trained – to administer injectable cosmetic products
UK law currently allows anyone – including beauticians who are not medically trained – to administer injectable cosmetic products.
But the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) is calling for the rules to be tightened to stop patients suffering botched procedures.
A BAAPs spokesperson said: “Non-surgical does not mean non-medical.
“Treatment with dermal fillers have clear benefits but also risks – it is not just about who can wield a syringe but who will have the capabilities to deal with any possible complications.
“We agree that specialised training is required and certainly more extensive than the many widely-promoted weekend courses currently available, but aesthetic injectables should only ever be provided by medical professionals.
“It is known that dermal fillers have a physiological effect on skin – such as stimulating the production of collagen, and many of them also contain local anaesthetic.
“These factors make these substances, in essence, a medicine.”
Yesterday Chloe Madeley admitted she'd ‘never regretted anything so much’ as getting ‘awful’ lip fillers in an exclusive chat with Fabulous.
While doctors have warned lip fillers ‘should be ILLEGAL for under-18s’ after a surge in teens demanding the ‘Love Island look’.
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