Last week, Models Direct spoke of the increasing number of young individuals succumbing to Botox at an early age. With accessibility soaring, this is no surprise.

Sure, for years there have been concerns about the use of Botox by unqualified beauty therapists working in salons. But as the days when women were satisfied with a good old fashioned Tupperware party become a distant memory and Botox parties quickly become the new craze, it’s obvious the gravity of the situation is rising.

Poorly regulated sales of this powerful paralysing poison are finding their way into hairdressers, slumber parties, and now, it seems, consumer shows.

Earlier this year, at a ‘health, beauty and fitness’ consumer show at London’s Earl Court, visitors were treated to the usual exhibition stalls – organic cupcakes, yoga accessories, vitamins. Shockingly, however, they were also offered on-the-spot medical treatments including wrinkle-relaxing and lip-plumping injections.

Unsurprisingly, the Models Direct team has expressed serious concerns over this rising accessibility, lack of regulation and most of all those who encourage the ‘impulse buy’ mentality, and we’re not the only ones.

Consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President, Fazel Fatah, said of the exhibition: “It is outrageous but sadly unsurprising that serious medical treatments are being sold alongside cupcakes and vitamin supplements.

“This reinforces the urgent need for tighter controls and the utter ineffectiveness of current ‘self-regulation’ schemes and voluntary registers.

Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and former BAAPS President, added: “The increasing popularity of non-surgical cosmetic procedures has led to public complacency about where procedures are performed, and by whom.

“Before any medical procedure is undertaken, a full medical history should be provided – this is especially important to avoid allergic reactions and identify underlying medical conditions that might pose risks.  It is our position that these treatments, while not surgical, are medical undertakings and should only be done in appropriate facilities under the supervision of a properly trained and qualified medical professional. These procedures require sanitary surroundings and sterile instruments – all of which can be compromised if taking place in someone’s booth at a bustling exhibition.”

With DIY injection kits even being reported on eBay, the Botox boom looks set to worsen. So if you are considering this treatment, Models Direct highly advises consulting a qualified medical practitioner and educating yourself on any potential complications.