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Botox on the Highstreet - Genius or Madness?

For skincare and beauty fans, trips to Superdrug happen frequently, right? But have you considered going there for injectable treatments like Botox or dermal fillers? In August, 2018, the brand started offering anti-wrinkle treatments in their Strand store in London, with the aim of rolling the service out nationwide. But it hasn’t all been plain-sailing - in fact, it’s received a fair amount of controversy. So, what exactly does the Botox at Superdrug service entail, and why is it so controversial? Is Botox on the high street a good idea?

What treatments can I get at Superdrug?

The health and beauty retailer now offers non-surgical treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, with prices starting from £99, following a consultation with a registered nurse. These treatments - which are performed using Allergan products - are carried out by registered nurses.

Superdrug’s non-surgical treatments are booked via their customer service team, who do consultations to determine whether or not the Botox or filler treatment is right for you. Before your appointment, you’re also required to complete a health questionnaire with a nurse. While beauty treatments like brow threading take place in front of shoppers, Superdrug’s injectable treatments happen behind a closed door - so there is privacy and discretion (thank God!).

What’s so controversial about Botox at Superdrug?

When it comes to Superdrug offering Botox and fillers, some of the controversy has come from their pricing. Starting at £99, some doctors have questioned how the retailer is able to charge such low prices, as they say it costs more than that to buy the product in.

Another concern some have with the service is around Superdrug’s connection with Love Island (they sponsor the show) - the issue being the fear that the TV programme’s demographic is so young. Many feel that having treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers on the high street will attract a younger audience, and they worry that having the treatment available next to beauty treatments such as waxing and brow threading will trivialise the treatments and make them less considered. However, Superdug has stated that they will only treat people who are 25 and over.

Not only this, but medical professionals have also questioned whether Superdug is doing enough to deter people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Body dysmorphia is a huge issue that affects around 5 in every thousand people in the UK. The worry is whether cases like this are being properly identified or there is a lack of understanding or care. But Superdrug says it has been in communications with the NHS with regards to providing the right level of care and attention to this matter.

What’s the verdict on Superdrug’s Botox?

In terms of their Botox and dermal filler offering, despite the controversy, Superdrug appears to be offering an affordable treatment that is carried out by medical professionals, which is an important factor for anyone looking to book an appointment. How they manage to get their prices so low is still in dispute, as is the controversy surrounding their connection with Love Island (i.e. the question over whether they are encouraging a certain look), but they state that they offer thorough and professional consultations, as well as a medical questionnaire to check whether Botox or fillers are actually the right treatments in each and every case.

What should you look for in a Botox practitioner?

If you are interested in having Botox or any other injectable treatment, regardless of where you go, the most important thing to look for is a medically qualified and experienced practitioner who has the relevant insurance and who carries out a thorough consultation. While Botox is a safe treatment when done by a medically qualified practitioner, in the wrong hands, it can lead to serious issues - so always do your research. Also, it’s a great idea to look at before and after photos and reviews to make sure you get a good understanding of what the practitioner is capable of achieving and whether they get the type of results you are looking for.

Interested in booking a Botox consultation or dermal filler appointment? Glowday only list medically qualified practitioners, so you can be sure you are in safe hands. Book now and get glowing!


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