Dermal fillers in the UK are subject of ongoing debate. As the media exposes situations where complications arise following treatment, the need for better protection for patients is evermore apparent.
Sadly, there are too many cases where the treatment provider refuses to handle problems, leaving clients confused and worried about where to go and what to do. Last week’s article Treatment gone wrong? Next steps… looked at the position faced by those requiring help when problems occur following treatment. Many professional clinics and providers are unable to assist due to insurance or policy constraints, which in turn puts pressure on the NHS.
Should dermal fillers be ‘prescription only’?
One recurring suggestion in the aesthetics industry is to make dermal fillers a ‘POM’ or prescription only medicine. Most dermal fillers already contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic which on its own would be prescription only. Moreover, the fact that they are injected into the skin and have the potential to cause complications argues in favour of better regulation.
Making dermal fillers prescription only would straightaway add far more stringent control as they could only be prescribed by suitably qualified medical professionals.
There is precedent, in that BOTOX is already a prescription only medicine. As well as providing control over dispensing prescriptions, there are also controls over advertising and promotion of the product on social media.
By comparison, dermal fillers are classed as a ‘class III medical device’, which means they only require a CE mark under the Medical Devices Directive for approval to market. This means that people can buy the product and inject it into paying customers without any medical training.
There are far less stringent controls around advertising too, which is why discount lip filler ads can appear on Facebook/Instagram and posters with no issue at all; something that is not allowed for ‘Botox’ treatment.
Medical devices are also subject to less stringent testing than prescription only products.
Back in 2021, the BMJ (British Medical Journal) published survey results indicating that 77% of their website users believed that dermal fillers should only be available through prescription. In the same year, a group of MPs called to make dermal fillers prescription-only. create much-needed legislation around dermal fillers, making them prescription only and requiring practitioners to have regulated qualifications.
At this point, there seems to be little progress in making it happen.
Making dermal fillers prescription only is not the only solution and is not necessarily the best solution either. Non-medics could still inject prescription-only dermal fillers, as long as they were able to work with a prescriber, which is the current situation for anti-wrinkle injections. Making fillers a POM would also add cost and complication to the manufacturing and distribution of product, which may have negative consequences on supply.
Other ideas for better regulation include registers of providers in order to ensure satisfactory standards for patients. Effectively controlling the practitioners who dispense and inject, rather than trying to control the product.
At Mulberry House Clinic, we only offer top brand products which are dispensed by former GP Dr John Tanqueray who has over 20 years experience injecting cosmetic treatments. We are aware that not all providers reach the same standards and are concerned to note an increase in enquiries from patients who’ve been treated elsewhere, seeking help when things have ‘gone wrong’. Unfortunately we are not able to offer corrective treatment, diagnosis or ultrasound scans in such cases. See our article Treatment gone wrong? Next steps… for advice.
Our advice for prospective patients seeking a trustworthy treatment provider is to be mindful of the lack of regulation in the market and not trust anyone without checking their credentials. This can help to minimise the risk of issues and also provide peace of mind that your injector is medically trained to assess, diagnose and treat or refer if action were required after treatment.
For guidance on choosing a suitably qualified practitioner who can handle any issues that may arise, we recommend our Guide to Choosing your Treatment Provider.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with over 18 years experience. Dr John Tanqueray is a former GP who can assess and diagnose skin conditions from a medical perspective before suggesting the most appropriate treatments.
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.
