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Source: Reuters
Cosmetic surgeons have issued a warning after possibly fake Botox was offered for sale over eBay.
The Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA) says UK-based listings for the injectable anti-wrinkle treatment have been pulled from the global online auction site.
CPSA president Dr Mary Dingley says the issue raised safety and legal concerns because in Australia, Botox must be prescribed by a doctor.
"It should certainly not be made available for anyone to buy without consultation, via the internet," she says.
"Furthermore, there is no guarantee that what you are buying actually is what the label says, so you would question its safety even if it were properly administered."
Australian law requires Botox, or Botulinum Toxin, to be prescribed by a doctor and administered in a safe, medical environment.
The CPSA also says it was continuing its push for an end to other illegal and dangerous practices surrounding the product, including "Botox parties".
Reports of the parties - like a Tupperware night only hosted by a beauty therapist or doctor - have fallen since a clampdown was announced in 2007.
"We are working with the relevant authorities to try and eliminate these misleading practices," Dingley says.
"If you are considering a cosmetic treatment ensure you visit a qualified doctor."
