Calls to address lack of regulation for Botox and dermal fillers
It follows a sharp increase in the popularity and availability of the sector.
Last updated 21st Jul 2021
There are calls for tighter regulations around who can offer dermal filler procedures, as a parliamentary report says a "complete absence" of regulations is putting the public at risk.
The MPs have called on the Government to address the absence of any regulation after the year-long inquiry, following a sharp increase in the popularity and availability of the sector.
"There's a common misconception if you go to someone with an Instagram page, they'll be properly regulated"
Among its recommendations include setting national minimum standards for practitioner training and regulated qualifications in line with national standards.
It has also called for fillers to be made prescription-only, psychological pre-screening of customers and the extension of the ban on under-18s receiving Botox and fillers to other invasive aesthetic treatments.
Little regulation of other beauty therapists and practitioners
Marie had a bad experience with a practitioner in the west of Scotland in 2017, when half of her face was left paralysed.
She said: "I went to a so-called nurse, she used Botox on me but she used an awful lot so I think she was getting it cheap.
"She injected the Botox into my upper face, she didn't do a good job because the next day I looked like I had bell's palsy, my face was completely paralysed on one side.
"If the regulations were in place at the time, I would have had somebody to go to.
"I had no comeback when this girl paralysed my face, I had nobody to turn to, I couldn't catch her.
"They're doing it anywhere - they're doing it in nail salons, hairdressers, there are barbers now doing Botox and fillers in the back of their barber shop so when injecting the hygiene is just absolutely atrocious."
Jennifer Watson, associate solicitor at Digby Brown, who specialises in injuries caused by aesthetic treatments, said: "There's a common misconception that the aesthetics industry is properly regulated.
"Whilst we do have some regulation whereby independent clinics such as nurses, doctors and dentists are registered and regulated, there is little regulation of other beauty therapists and practitioners.
"Anyone who's not properly trained or qualified in practicing aesthetic procedures can access certain treatments such as dermal fillers and essentially practice these procedures without being properly insured, properly qualified and trained.
"There's a common misconception amongst the public that if they go to someone who has an Instagram page, and looks on the face of it like a reputable clinic, that they'll not only be properly regulated but they'll have a policy of insurance, and that's simply not the case."
"Next to no limits on who can carry out aesthetic treatments"
Co-chairs of the APPG, Carolyn Harris and Judith Cummins, said: "For too long there have been next to no limits on who can carry out aesthetic treatments, what qualifications they must have, or where they can administer them.
"We launched this inquiry as we were deeply concerned that as the number of advanced treatments on the market continues to grow, the regulation remains fragmented, obscure and out-of-date, which puts the public at risk.
"We were also particularly concerned about the advertising and social media promotion of these treatments and how to make sure vulnerable people, such as children and those at risk from mental ill-health, are protected.
"We strongly urge the Government to implement the recommendations in our report and to take action to improve the situation for the benefit of the industry and public safety. Maintaining the status quo is simply not an option."
Minister for Patient Safety Nadine Dorries said: "Far too many people have been left to live with the emotional and physical scars caused by their experience of cosmetic surgery, needing prolonged medical treatment after botched cosmetic procedures, particularly fillers.
"Patients must always come first and I am committed to protecting their safety making sure people have the right information they need to make informed decisions about cosmetic surgery and ensuring the highest quality training is accessible to all practitioners.
"This report is an important contribution to our shared understanding of the consequences of this kind of treatment and I look forward to reviewing its recommendations on how we continue to improve people's safety.
"Anyone considering Botox, or fillers, should pause and take the time they need to consider the potential impact of surgery on both their physical and mental health, and take steps to ensure they are using a reputable, safe and qualified practitioner."