UK government launches consultation into unregulated cosmetic procedures
By Rebecca Hitchon | 11 September 2023 | Movers & Shakers, News
The UK government is seeking people and business’ views on how to make non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including Botox, laser hair removal and dermal fillers, safer for consumers.
The consultation: the government’s first-ever on aesthetic procedures, is running for eight weeks (closing 28 October) and will be used to shape a new licensing scheme for practitioners and cosmetics businesses operating in England.
Considered proposals include restrictions on who can perform high-risk procedures and age limits for those receiving treatments, in order to promote high standards of practice and protect patients from the potential harm of poorly performed procedures.
The launch of the consultation follows 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.
Victoria Brownlie
“Since its inception, the British Beauty Council has been working to raise the reputation of the beauty industry, and we see greater checks and balances around aesthetic procedures as a key part of this,” comments Victoria Brownlie, chief policy officer at the British Beauty Council. “Having worked with the government to achieve the ban on injectables for under 18s in 2021, we are delighted that it has continued this momentum with the commitment to introduce a licensing scheme covering a raft of higher-risk aesthetic treatments, many of which are largely unregulated.
“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.”
Maria Caulfield – courtesy of Twitter.com/mariacaulfield
“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,” adds Maria Caulfield, minister for the women’s health strategy.
“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 consultation.”