Botched Botox Mix-Up: Why Safety and Candour Matter at Haus of Ästhetik

A recent ITV News report revealed a troubling story: a woman from Hull attended a clinic for Botox and was mistakenly injected with dermal fillers, leading to acute swelling, pain, and panic over potential blindness. The practitioner failed to inform her of the mistake, a serious breach of both clinical safety and professional transparency.

⚠️ What Went Wrong?

• The client requested Botox for forehead lines.

• Instead, she received filler, a substance never intended for that zone unless clinically justified, causing lumps and pain.

• Only after escalating the matter did she learn that her practitioner was not properly qualified and had not disclosed the error.

• Experts warned that such errors in high-risk zones can cause vascular occlusion, tissue necrosis, stroke, and permanent vision loss.

🔞 A Note on Forehead Filler, When It Is Safe

While this case involved the accidental use of filler in the forehead, it is important to clarify that forehead filler can be appropriate and safe when:

• Performed by a medically trained injector with deep anatomical knowledge

• Using the correct technique, placement, and tools (needle vs. cannula)

• With full consent, facial mapping, and emergency protocols in place

At Haus of Ästhetik, forehead filler is only offered after a thorough medical consultation, and never as a routine or default procedure. Safety and indication come first.

💪 Duty of Candour: Our Ethical Non-Negotiable

The Duty of Candour is a legal and ethical obligation for all registered healthcare professionals. It requires practitioners to:

• Inform clients if something goes wrong

• Offer an honest explanation and apology

• Document the error and provide appropriate support

• Prevent recurrence through reflection and review

In this ITV case, no disclosure, apology or resolution was made, placing the client in further danger. This is a direct breach of professional conduct.

📏 How We Uphold the Duty of Candour:

• All team members at Haus of Ästhetik are trained and regulated under NMC, GMC, or equivalent frameworks.

• We follow Save Face and CQC-aligned documentation and incident reporting protocols.

• If something doesn’t go to plan, you will be the first to know. We resolve it ethically and transparently.

Candour builds trust. And trust is the foundation of safe aesthetic medicine.

🏥 How We Prevent These Errors

1. Prescription-led Practice
   All injectable treatments are prescribed face-to-face by a qualified healthcare professional after a thorough medical consultation.

2. Accredited Clinical Professionals
   Our injectors are Save Face verified, CQC compliant, JCCP, and undergo ongoing advanced training.

3. Product Control & Labelling
   Every product (toxin or filler) is colour-coded, batch-logged, and stored under strict protocols. Double checks are in place for every administration.

4. Facial Zoning Protocols
   We use area-specific syringes and techniques. Filler is never administered where toxin is intended.

5. Full Consent & Follow-Up
   Patients receive detailed pre-treatment information, and we offer follow-ups as standard.

6. Emergency Management & Escalation
   Our clinicians are trained in managing vascular occlusion and allergic response with direct referral access.

🔧 Regulatory Gaps: Why This Keeps Happening

• The UK aesthetic industry remains largely unregulated for non-surgical procedures

• Non-medics are legally allowed to inject filler and toxin with minimal oversight

• In 2022 alone, Save Face received over 3,000 patient complaints, 84% related to unqualified providers

• The 2021 Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers Act only applies to under-18s, leaving adults vulnerable

We support wider regulation and have structured our clinic to exceed minimum legal standards.

✅ Conclusion

This case serves as a stark reminder of why regulated, ethical aesthetics are crucial. At Haus of Ästhetik, we do not compromise on safety, honesty, or patient care. Weadhere to evidence-based practicese, training, and professional codes at every step.

Whether you’re a first-time client or an aesthetic regular, you deserve:

• Clear information

• Safe treatments

• Clinicians who will always be honest

And that’s exactly what we offer.

Ready to experience aesthetic medicine with transparency and clinical care?

 4 Portland Square, Bakewell, DE45 1HA
🌐 Book online at: www.HausOfAsthetik.co.uk
💬 Message us to arrange a private consultation or discuss a previous experience in confidence.

 

Reference List

1. ITV News. (2025). Hull woman injected with dermal filler instead of Botox feared she could go blind. Link

2. GMC (2021). Duty of Candour: Guidance for Doctors.

3. NMC (2022). Professional Duty of Candour for Nurses and Midwives.

4. Save Face (2022). Annual Adverse Events Report.

5. Keogh, B. (2013). Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions. UK Department of Health.

6. JCCP (2022). Cosmetic Injectable Standards.

7. UCL (2019). Workforce Study: Aesthetic Injectors in the UK.

8. ASA & MHRA. Guidance on advertising botulinum toxin products.

9. CTSI. (2022). Call for Regulation in Cosmetic Practice.

10. Legal Cheek. (2023). Cosmetic Regulation and Duty of Care.

11. British Journal of Aesthetic Nursing (2023). Duty of Candour in Clinical Aesthetics: Best Practice Recommendations.