Botox restrictions for minors

Under 18-year-olds in New Jersey will not be able to have Botox injections without a doctor’s note to prove it is medically necessary under a new US healthcare bill.

It is hoped that the move will eradicate the growing trend of minors undergoing Botox injections for cosmetic purposes.

The legislation has been approved by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee and the bill cites an example found in a study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery as its argument.

The study found that teenagers had more than 12,000 Botox injections in 2009; more than double the number from 2008.

It is thought the bill was pushed forward through the Assembly after a mother from California appeared on television saying she gave her eight-year-old daughter Botox injections while she was competing in beauty pageants.

Botox is a prescription medication and Botox injections are considered a cosmetic surgery treatment.

They are commonly used to smooth wrinkles and fine lines although can also be used to cure headaches and spasms.

Botox works by paralysing the facial muscles but if it spreads beyond the injection site it can lead to side effects such as problems with breathing, swallowing and speaking.   

There have even been reports of death associated Botox use.

Existing federal and state legislation already restricts the administration of Botox treatments to minors, however if passed, the new bill would require a professional medical document outlining the patients non-cosmetic need for the injections.