The government is asking people and businesses their views on how to make non-surgical cosmetic procedures safer amid a spate of complaints about ‘botched’ treatments.
The move represents the government's first ever consultation on these so-called aesthetic procedures and will be used to introduce a new licensing scheme for practitioners and businesses around England.
Under the proposed arrangements (which will be overseen by local authorities), professionals will need to be licensed to perform specific procedures, along with the premise they are working out of.
It could also include age limits and restrictions for certain treatments that are deemed high-risk – this could encompass procedures that require filler to be injected into intimate parts of the body.
🗨️ We want to hear your views on how to make non-surgical cosmetic procedures like Botox, fillers and chemical peels safer.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) September 2, 2023
This will help to shape a new licensing scheme and protect people from poorly performed treatments.
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Why the need for a consultation?
A government-approved register for accredited practitioners known as Save Face received nearly 3,000 complaints last year. More than two-thirds of that number were related to dermal fillers while almost a quarter were about Botox.
The government highlights the huge importance of this industry in respect to the UK economy, with many parts being female-owned small and medium-sized businesses. The UK non-surgical cosmetic sector has previously been valued at £3.6bn.
A new regulatory framework will raise the standards found in the industry and thus its reputation as well, according to the government.
Minister for the Women’s Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield, commented: “There’s no doubt that the popularity of cosmetic procedures is increasing, so it’s our role to ensure consistent standards for consumers and a level playing field for businesses and practitioners.”
She continued: “We want to make sure we get this right for everyone, which is why we want to hear your opinions and experiences through our new consultation.”
The consultation will run until Saturday 28 October.
Image credit: iStock
