BOTOX & Dermal Fillers Regulation
The Government has launched a public consultation into the unregulated cosmetic treatments market, inviting individuals, practitioners and businesses to share their views on how safety could be improved
The consultation opened 2nd September and will run for 8 weeks, closing Saturday 28th September.
What regulation is currently in place for cosmetic treatments?
Many clients assume that anyone injecting their face must be trained and regulated in some way, but that is not the case and the numbers of complaints about ‘botched’ procedures are a huge concern.
Lack of regulation around BOTOX and dermal filler treatments has been a discussion point for many years.
You do now need a prescription to get BOTOX, but it can be injected by anybody. Dermal fillers doesn’t even require a prescription.
Back in 2013 Keogh report made a series of observations and recommendations https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-the-regulation-of-cosmetic-interventions.
In 2022 the Government announced plans to introduce licensing for non-surgical treatments and the consultation is a step forward.
Consultation on non-surgical cosmetic procedures
The consultation follow 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 scheme, which will be operated by local authorities in England, practitioners AND their premises will both require licensing in order to perform cosmetic procedures.
“The government’s first-ever consultation on treatments – also known as aesthetic procedures – will be used to shape a new licensing scheme for practitioners and cosmetic businesses which operate in England.
“This could include age limits and restrictions for high-risk procedures, including those involving injecting fillers into intimate parts of the body – including the breasts and buttocks.”
The objective for regulation is to protect patients and also reassure the public that standards are now in place.
The government’s announcement continues:
“Any new licensing scheme would protect patients from potential harm associated with poorly performed procedures. This will provide reassurance to people that wherever they go to get their treatments, they will receive the same high standards of practice.”
Minister for the Women’s Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield said:
“Whether it’s Botox, dermal fillers or even a chemical peel, we have heard too many stories of people who’ve had bad experiences from getting a cosmetic procedure from someone who is inexperienced or underqualified.
“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.
“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.”
Non-surgical treatments industry
The non-surgical cosmetic industry has been estimated to be worth £3.6 billion in the UK with 900,000 BOTOX injections carried out every year and even more dermal fillers and lip filler treatments.
Non-surgical treatment organisations and professionals have welcomed the consultation.
Ashton Collins, Director, Save Face said:
“As the largest and longest established Professional Standards Authority accredited register, we are able to provide a unique level of insight based on 10 years of gathering data from practitioner and clinic audits as well as patient reported complaints, adverse reactions, and complications.
“This will enable us to help develop a fit for purpose scheme that has public safety as its primary focus. 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, Chair of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners, said:
“I warmly welcome the government’s decision to consult on this new, proposed licensing scheme. It will help to ensure that people who undergo non-surgical cosmetic procedures receive treatment from practitioners who are properly trained and qualified, have the necessary insurance cover and operate from premises that are safe and hygienic.”
Victoria Brownlie, Chief Policy Officer at the British Beauty Council:
“Those seeking treatments deserve to do so with confidence that their practitioner is properly qualified in the service they’re offering, to the appropriate level of government approved educational 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 to shape the regulatory framework as it progresses.”
Trusted BOTOX & Dermal Fillers Providers
Mulberry House Clinic, Established 2003
Dr John Tanqueray MB BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DipOccMed BCAM, former GP and founder of Mulberry House Clinic, has over 20 years of experience in the non-surgical treatments industry and has provided thousands of successful treatments over the years. He has also worked as a trainer, helping other medical professionals to learn the skills and best practice in cosmetic treatments. He works alongside top brand manufacturers on the latest new products.
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with vast experience of the industry. Cosmetic skin treatments are carried out by Dr John Tanqueray, who works closely with leading manufacturers to remain at the forefront of the medical aesthetics.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
