How to get Botox in France
France strictly regulates cosmetic procedures including Botox – here’s how to get it and who is licensed to administer injections.
In some countries Botox can be administered in a wide range of settings including beauty salons, but France regulates things rather more strictly.
That doesn’t mean that everyone follows the rules – and in fact the French Medical Council (l’Ordre des médecins) has received hundreds of reports in recent years regarding cosmetic injections carried out illegally by people who are not qualified to administer them.
This can have serious consequences – back in July, a 25-year-old woman died in Nice after she had gotten Botox in a beauty salon.
France’s national health insurance system, the Assurance maladie, has issued a warning to people to be cautious about where they get these injections.
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So, if you are considering Botox in France, what are the rules and how can you make sure your treatment is being carried out legally?
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections for cosmetic purposes can only be prescribed and administered by doctors with the appropriate authorisation.
According to the Assurance maladie, this includes doctors specialising in:
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
- Plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery
- Ear, nose and throat surgery (ENT, known in France as ORL)
- Maxillofacial surgery
In other words, Botox for cosmetic purposes is not something that can legally be administered by an aesthetician, beautician, dental hygenist or other non-medical professional, as it can be in other countries in Europe.
Assurance maladie warns that cosmetic Botox injections carried out by unqualified people are illegal and can result in serious secondary effects.
Before administering the injection, an authorised doctor should assess your state of health, check for any indications or contraindications, consider the product being used and explain the potential risks.
What about hyaluronic acid?
The rules are different for cosmetic injections using hyaluronic acid.
These injections may be administered by any doctor who has received appropriate training, including through a university qualification, rather than being restricted to the medical specialities listed above.
However, it cannot be administered by someone without a medical qualification.
Can it be reimbursed?
Botox is never reimbursed by France’s social security if it is used for aesthetic reasons. Reimbursement applies only when injections are used for certain medical conditions and under specific conditions.
For example, Botox injections may be used in treatment for conditions including severe hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), migraines, neck stiffness and droopy eyelids, although treatment must receive prior approval from the social security.
How do you find a legitimate practitioner?
One option is to use the medical appointment booking platform Doctolib. Search for a relevant medical speciality – such as dermatology or plastic surgery and check that the practitioner is a doctor offering cosmetic treatments.
Be careful of beauty salons, social-media offers or practitioners advertising Botox at unusually low prices. If you are unsure whether a practitioner is authorised to administer Botox for cosmetic purposes, check their medical qualifications before booking the procedure.
