Health Minister Expresses Concerns At Lack Of Regulation For Cosmetic Fillers

The Health Minister, Wicklow T.D. Simon Harris is looking at new ways to tackle Ireland's 'botox boom.'

Simon Harris is considering banning botox and cosmetic fillers for people under 18.

Doctors have raised concerns about the increase in patients presenting in hospitals after botched cosmetic procedures. 

Health Minister Simon Harris says some companies and professionals are exploiting young people's desire to be perfect - which he claims is being driven by social media. 

The Minister has asked his officials to assess if there's a need to further regulate botox and fillers- and whether a ban for under 18s should be brought in. 

There are also concerns around filling material - as it's not categorised as a drug but as a medical device - which means it can be bought online and administered by someone with no medical training.