RCS and BAPRAS express concern at Superdrug in-store Botox® and fillers service

High street pharmacy, Superdrug, last week announced that it has launched a Botox® and filler service in its stores. The pharmacy claims to be the first to hire nurses to offer in-house cosmetic procedures. 

The Royal College of Surgeons and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) have written to the CEO of Superdrug owner, AS Watson, to express concern at the company's decision to offer these services. 

The RCS and BAPRAS say that undergoing any kind of cosmetic procedure carries risks and it is not a decision which should ever be taken lightly. Administering an injection of Botox® or fillers is a serious and potentially dangerous procedure, and it should only be undertaken by an experienced and fully qualified health professional. They add that they also worry about these procedures becoming impulse buys for Superdrug shoppers, with customers having them without undergoing a proper consultation with a trained health professional, and not having time to fully reflect on the pros and cons of such treatments, which may cause permanent disfigurement.

The full letter to Superdrug is available to read here. 

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.

For more information, please contact the Press Office:

• Telephone: 020 7869 6047/6052
• Email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk
• Out of hours media enquiries: 07966 486832