News that Superdrug is launching a new Skin Renew Service offering aesthetic treatments such as Botox and Juvéderm dermal fillers has caused controversy this week. The popular high street cosmetics store has announced the upcoming launch of the services at its Strand store in London, before rolling the services out across the UK following customer feedback. Those interested in the treatments must be over 25, undergo an assessment over the phone before booking, and fill in a medical questionnaire. The treatments start at £99 and will be performed by qualified medically-trained nurses in store. The news comes after summer's most-watched TV show, Love Island, inspired a new wave of requests for cosmetic surgery procedures.
Online, opinions are split. One Twitter user wasn't fussed by the news, writing: "If Superdrug wants to do Botox, let them." But other social media followers weren't too pleased. One said: "Not sure how I feel about Superdrug doing Botox and fillers in store."
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Caris Newson, head of health and wellbeing services at Superdrug, said: "We know from our research among 10,000 customers that feeling confident about how you look is linked to a person’s wellbeing, and that’s different for all of us. For some it might mean having their eyebrows threaded or getting their nails done, for others taking new vitamins or getting fitter, or it might be about smoothing out fine lines.
"We're launching this service in response to customer demand for anti-wrinkle and skin rejuvenation treatments. We're listening to what people are telling us they would like which is the reassurance that if they choose to have aesthetic treatments then it will be administered by highly qualified nurse practitioners in a private consultation room."
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In a statement, Dr Gerard Lambe, consultant plastic surgeon and spokesperson for BAAPs said: " While Superdrug may be hiring medically trained nurses, it is crucial members of the public do not treat having Botox and dermal fillers as casual beauty treatments, like brow threading or waxing. Administering an injection of any kind is a very serious procedure and requires an experienced and qualified health professional."
He added: "All kinds of risks can arise, from infection to incorrectly applied needle placement over delicate facial muscles - which can lead to paralysis."
What do you think? Should Superdrug be offering these services and would you book in to have one of their procedures? Perhaps you're pleased that Botox is now readily available on the high street or maybe you think it's a step too far. Let us know your thoughts below…
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