Coming just 24 hours after we announced that the UK authorities are going to limit the exposure of young people to cosmetic surgery promotions the Eire authorities seem to be taking dermal fillers for young women seriously.

In Ireland, fillers are classified as a cosmetic treatment and not a medical procedure. But, in my mind anyway, having collagen pumped into young mouths is not the same as a seaweed face mask at the local spa.

Dr Caitriona Ryan, a Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists, said the sector needs to be regulated.

irish cosmetic expert talked about dermal fillers on radio
Dr Caitriona Ryan,

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, said there has been an “explosion” in recent years of young girls using dermal fillers to enhance their lips.

She said: “It's becoming almost the norm, I'm sure people have seen girls in their teens and early 20s with overfilled lips.

It is almost a fashion accessory for young women.

Dr Ryan said medics have a responsibility to protect young women and “the warped sense of reality” they have over their appearance.

This is largely due to the pressure of social media and advertising, she said.

She said: “I think the other big problem is that women in this age group tend to be a lot less cautious of where they go to get these dermal fillers done. Because dermal fillers for young women are treated so casually and so normalised on social media the market has become overrun with amateur practitioners.

“They fall victim to botch jobs by non-medical professionals.

Maybe she had Ava Van Rose in mind.  She was an Irish glamour model who appeared on US TV show Botched, announcing that she wishes to become “the most memorable Irish celebrity possible.”

irish celeb
Amanda Brunker – a big fan of dermal fillers

Other Irish celebs like Amanda Brunker the TV personality have admitted to having plastic surgery.  Speaking to the Irish Independent the other year Brunker said “I have had Botox for the past seven years, but I believe in moderation as I don't want to look plastic. I had my lips done once and really liked it, but the doctor only put in a quarter of what the young ones are getting now. But hey, if it makes you feel good, then knock yourself out, kid.

“There is a complete lack of regulation around who does dermal fillers  for young women and now they can be done by beauticians in salons who don't have the expertise or equipment to deal with the complications that can occur.”

Dr Ryan said there is “irresponsible advertising” targetted to young women who see images on social media of people before and after cosmetic procedures.

She said: “I think we need to regulate the injectors, I don't think it's as much about age.

“It needs to be people who are accountable and will be responsible for the people they are injecting and I think that's all that's really needed.”

Well, for the second time in 24 hours I say “Bravo' to the UK and Eire in tackling the growing problems surrounding young girls and cosmetic procedures.