- Government to seek views on how to make non-surgical cosmetic procedures safer for consumers
- Calls for input from industry and individuals who have undergone these processes will be used to formulate regulations
- Proposals being considered include restrictions on who can perform certain high-risk procedures and age limits for those undergoing cosmetic procedures
People and businesses are being urged to share their views on how to make non-surgical cosmetic procedures – including Botox, laser hair removal and dermal fillers – safer, as thousands complain of ‘botched’ procedures.
The government’s first consultation on treatments – also known as cosmetic procedures – will be used to shape a new licensing system for cosmetic professionals and businesses operating in England. This could include age limits and restrictions on high-risk procedures, including those involving the injection of fillers into narrow parts of the body – including the breasts and buttocks.
Any new licensing system would protect patients from potential harm associated with procedures performed incorrectly. This will provide reassurance to people that wherever they go to receive their treatments, they will receive the same high standards of practice.
The beauty industry is hugely important to the UK economy and is largely made up of women, small and medium-sized businesses, with the non-surgical cosmetic industry previously valued at £3.6 billion in the UK.
The new regulations will support businesses by introducing high standards across the industry, increasing the industry’s reputation and professionalism.
Minister for Women’s Health Strategy Maria Caulfield said:
Whether it’s Botox, dermal fillers, or even chemical peels, we’ve heard too many stories of people who have had bad experiences with cosmetic surgery performed by someone inexperienced or inadequate.
There is no doubt that cosmetic surgery is growing in popularity, so our role is to ensure consistent standards for consumers and a level playing field for businesses and professionals.
We want to make sure we get this right for everyone, so we want to hear your views and experiences through our new consultation.
An estimated 900,000 Botox injections are performed in the UK each year. Save face – a government-approved register of accredited medical practitioners – received nearly 3,000 complaints in 2022, with over two-thirds of those complaints involving dermal fillers and almost a quarter related to Botox.
Ashton Collins, Director, Save Face said:
While we appreciate that we are still in the very early stages of any potential licensing scheme being implemented in England, we are delighted to have been invited by the Government to contribute our thoughts and ideas ahead of the publication of this public consultation.
Participating in the process allowed Save Face to actively contribute to roundtable discussions with ministers, policy makers and key stakeholders.
As the largest and longest-running Professional Standards Authority recognized register, we are able to provide a unique level of knowledge based on 10 years of collecting data from GP and clinic audits, as well as patient-reported complaints, adverse reactions and complications.
This will allow us to help develop a fit-for-purpose plan that will have public safety as its primary objective. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the government and key stakeholders during the next stages of the process.
Professor David Sines CBE, Chairman of Joint Council for Cosmetic Professionalshe said:
I warmly welcome the Government’s decision to consult on this new, proposed licensing system. It will help ensure that people undergoing non-surgical cosmetic procedures are treated by doctors who are properly trained and qualified, have the necessary insurance coverage and operate in facilities that are safe and hygienic.
I would urge everyone to take the opportunity provided by this consultation and support the move towards sensible and proportionate regulation in this important area.
Victoria Brownlie, Chief Policy Officer at British Beauty Council:
Since its inception, the British Beauty Council has been working to raise the profile of the beauty industry and we see greater checks and balances around cosmetic procedures as a key part of this. Having worked with the government to achieve a ban on under-18s in 2021, we are delighted that they have continued this momentum with a commitment to introduce a licensing scheme that will cover a range of higher-risk aesthetic treatments, many of which they are largely anarchic.
Those seeking treatment deserve to do so with the confidence that their practitioner is properly qualified in the service they offer, to the appropriate level of government-approved training standards. The Council has worked closely with the Department of Health and Social Care to get to this point, so we look forward to seeing the outcome of the consultation and helping shape the regulatory framework as it moves forward.
The consultation will run for 8 weeks and close on Saturday 28 October 2023.
Following the passing of the Health and Care Act in April 2022, which gave the Health and Social Care Secretary the power to introduce a licensing regime.
Under the proposed system, which would be administered by local authorities in England, professionals would have to be licensed to carry out certain procedures and the premises they operate from would also have to be licensed.
The government has already made it illegal for under-18s to access Botox and cosmetic filler treatments, and has banned TV and social media ads targeting under-18s with cosmetic procedures.
Anyone considering cosmetic surgery should fully consider the potential effects of the procedure on both their physical and mental health and, if they decide to proceed, take the time to find a reputable, insured and qualified practitioner.
