A number of my regular patients have been asking me about FROTOX/iovera (the latest ‘big thing’ in aesthetic medicine to have entered the UK anti-ageing market), so I think it’s time to document a few of my thoughts about this new craze.

I’m sure a huge number of you have heard of the American FDA (Federal Drug Administration) and wonder why so much importance is put on this body’s approval. The answer is that the FDA insists on stringent testing and comprehensive studies before they give their endorsement ‘stamp’ to any product.  As a consumer, you can be assured that if you undergo a FDA approved treatment, it is a bone fide, tried and tested procedure. Of course problems can still arise, especially if you place yourself in unskilled hands…

Ironically, iovera was developed in California but is not allowed to be used in the US as it has not yet been passed by the FDA.   Europe has no equivalent testing systems in place, which is why we have had the recent scandals such as the very high profile breast implant PIP debacle.  Manufacturers often bring their aesthetic/anti-ageing products to the European market first, essentially to trial and gather data in order to present to the FDA decision makers.

In my opinion, why offer patients an unregulated option to the very safe, tried and tested botulinium toxin (Botox) that works very well and for longer periods?  When will the UK ‘wake up’ and develop their own ‘FDA’ equivalent?  Have we learned nothing from the human devastation caused by the PIP scandal?  Yes, Frotox may well work and give good results that reverse within 3 months, BUT efficacy is not in question here, it’s all about patient safety.