Why we don’t advertise Botox – even if others on the Isle of Man do

Andrew Jowett
Aug 18
2 min read

Every so often my team will say to me: “Why don’t we just advertise our Botox service? Other clinics are doing it, and they seem to get away with it.”

It’s a fair question — because if you search online, you’ll see plenty of clinics in the Isle of Man openly talking about Botox, sometimes with discounts and before-and-after photos.

So why don’t we? The simple answer is: it’s not allowed. And more importantly, it’s not the right way to look after our patients.

The Rules Are Clear

Botox (botulinum toxin) and its brand variations — including Azzalure, Bocouture, Dysport, and Vistabel — are all classed as prescription-only medicines (POMs).

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) state under CAP Code Rule 12.12:

“Prescription-only medicines or prescription-only medical treatments may not be advertised to the public.”

That means clinics are not allowed to:

Name Botox, Azzalure, Bocouture, Dysport, or Vistabel in promotional advertising.
Use indirect phrases like “anti-wrinkle injections” or “wrinkle relaxing” if it’s clear they mean one of these brands.
Show before-and-after images of POM treatments.
Run offers, discounts, or multi-area deals.
Share testimonials that mention these products.

These rules apply everywhere — websites, social media, leaflets, posters, emails, and even hashtags.

But Others Are Still Advertising Them

So why do some clinics still push Botox and its alternatives in their marketing?

Because ASA enforcement is complaint-driven. If nobody reports an ad, it may stay online.
Because some are willing to risk it. They chase short-term clicks.
Because they assume “everyone else is doing it.”

But here’s the reality: once reported, the ASA can order ads to be removed, publish the breach publicly, and even inform regulators like the GDC, GMC, or NMC. That could put a professional licence at risk.

Why We Choose a Different Path

For us, it’s about three things:

Trust — we’d rather be transparent and compliant than copy bad habits.
Safety — the rules exist so treatments are only given when they’re genuinely appropriate, after a consultation.
Professional integrity — breaking the rules isn’t worth risking our registration.

What We Can Talk About Instead

While we can’t advertise Botox directly, we can talk about:

Consultations — how we assess your needs, discuss your goals, and explain all suitable options.
Treatment pathways — both non-prescription and prescription-only, without promoting one brand.
Safety and standards — our qualifications, medical process, and aftercare.

This approach helps you make an informed decision, without being sold to or misled.

The Bottom Line

My team are right — some Isle of Man clinics do advertise Botox, and they may get away with it for now. But that doesn’t make it right, safe, or legal.

We choose to follow the rules, protect our patients, and earn your trust.

If you’re exploring options for wrinkle treatments, the safest first step is a consultation. That’s where we can sit down together, review your medical history, and discuss every suitable option — including prescription-only medicines, if appropriate.

Further Reading: