Surge in cheap injectable beauty treatments said to cost the NHS £29 million

Health experts are warning against injectable cosmetic treatments, such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers, being administered by unqualified practitioners.

The last 12 months has seen a huge rise in these beauty procedures being administered by beauticians with no medical training.

There has also been an increase in the number of injectable treatments that are being purchased online and used at home.

Rachael Knappier's lips swelled dramatically after she was given filler by a beautician at a friend's house.

She said the whole experience was "horrific" and counts herself lucky that her lips eventually returned to normal.

She now campaigns to change legislation in the aesthetic industry and wants injectable fillers to only be given by medical professionals.

Save Face, a national register of accredited practitioners who provide non-surgical cosmetic treatments, estimate that correction procedures following "botched work" have cost the NHS £29 million.

The forum say that they've seen complaints about facial fillers which have gone wrong double in a year, with more than 80% of procedures being carried out by non-medical professionals.

Natalie Johnson from Sutton Coldfield began using fillers when she was 18. She is now against the treatments, saying that "getting work done doesn't make you feel any better about yourself. It's not you. You need to learn to love yourself and realise that you don't need them."

But despite warnings from professionals the use of cheap injectables is expected to continue to rise, with some accrediting this to advertising on social media and influences from reality TV.

So here are some Dos and Don'ts if you plan to use these products:

1. Do your research: Always book treatments with a qualified aesthetic doctor and check reviews before you go ahead with any surgery. Make sure the professional you choose has a solid background in administering the specific procedure that you want.

2. Don't be swayed by cheap 'deals': If the price seems too good to be true then it probably is. Cheaper products can be poorer quality and less safe. Incentives should also raise alarm bells, as offering cheap deals goes against good medical practice.

4. Do look at the whole face: When you're checking photos of your practitioner's previous work make sure you're looking at the persons full face. Close up photographs won't show any facial imbalance caused by injectable fillers.

5. Do have separate consultation and procedure: Don't rush into having a procedure. Make sure you first book a consultation where you can discuss what you want from the treatment, decide if it's for you and give yourself time to change your mind.

6. Don't use permanent filler: Doctors and practitioners should always advise against using permanent filler.

7. Don't use the products close to a big event: Bruising or swelling can occur after having treatments, so try to avoid going under the needle before big events.

The Government says anyone considering a cosmetic procedure should find a reputable and qualified practitioner.

It also says that from May, all face and lip fillers will be classified as medical devices, meaning quality and safety will be more tightly regulated.