**Ashley James: ‘It’s Frightening’ as Thousands of Women Injured by Cosmetic Procedures**
TV personality Ashley James appeared on ITV’s This Morning this week to highlight the astonishing risks faced by thousands of women undergoing non-surgical cosmetic procedures – many of whom have suffered serious injury as a result. The conversation follows a new investigation revealing that half of women who sought out facial enhancements such as botox or fillers needed medical attention afterwards, with a staggering 15% requiring emergency hospital treatment.
The findings paint a worrying picture of a booming but underregulated aesthetics industry, where the lure of quick fixes and bargain prices can have devastating consequences. A significant portion of these cosmetic treatments are being carried out in informal locations like living rooms or kitchens, rather than in professional clinical environments. Even more concerning, the research showed that half of all procedures were performed by individuals without any recognised medical qualifications.
Cost-cutting appears to drive risky decisions, with one in three survey respondents admitting they’d be willing to forego a credentialled professional in order to save money. Medical experts warn that this approach can be perilous. Dr Zoe Williams, who serves as This Morning’s resident GP, expressed her alarm at the survey’s results. Speaking on the programme, she urged viewers to prioritise their safety over cost savings, saying: “I understand that non-surgical cosmetic procedures can be highly tempting, but it’s vital to check that your practitioner is properly qualified, especially if injectables are involved.”
The risks are not hypothetical. On the show, several women shared harrowing experiences after botched injections. Lynsey Wanless, one interviewee, recounted how a casual appointment for botox in someone’s home spiralled into a medical emergency. “I felt like my body was shutting down and I couldn’t breathe. This has ruined my life,” she stated, describing a nine-day ordeal culminating in hospital admission.
Ashley James, best known for her appearances on Made in Chelsea and Celebrity Big Brother, is also set to discuss her experiences with cosmetic procedures on an upcoming episode. She reflected on the culture of secrecy and shame that can surround cosmetic enhancements, remarking, “There’s so much not talked about, yet so many people – especially women – are getting these treatments, whether they admit it or not.” She admitted that until This Morning’s investigation, she had never questioned whether those administering her treatments were medically qualified or if the products were licensed. “That’s frightening. I wish I’d known more about the risks from the start,” she added, echoing concerns many women now share.
Expert guidance is being provided to viewers throughout the week by Save Face, an organisation running a Government-backed register of legitimate practitioners. Their director, Ashton Collins, revealed that the rise in cosmetic mishaps mirrors trends seen in their own database. “We’ve noticed a significant growth in complications due to unlicensed products, as well as cost-cutting corners,” Collins explained. “It’s deeply worrying that so many people put price before their health – cheap offers often mean practitioners are using illicit, imported products.”
Over the past five years, Save Face has seen a marked increase in complaints linked to unregulated medicines and equipment. Collins expressed frustration at the inadequacy of enforcement, saying: “It is deeply frustrating that current laws simply aren’t being upheld. There is a serious need for dedicated government action and a move to ban high-risk cosmetic treatments from being performed outside of regulated clinics.”
In light of these findings, campaigners are calling on government agencies to strengthen regulatory oversight and clamp down on unscrupulous practitioners, sometimes dubbed ‘cosmetic cowboys’. There is a growing consensus that preventing harm requires more robust legal frameworks and clearer guidance for those seeking cosmetic treatments.
This Morning continues to air practical advice and personal stories on weekday mornings via ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player, aiming to educate the public and spark urgent conversation about safety in the expanding world of aesthetics. If you are considering a non-surgical procedure, experts universally recommend thorough research, always verifying a provider’s medical credentials and the legality of any substances being used.