The government could ban unlicensed providers of non-surgical cosmetic treatments in England following the launch of a new consultation.
At present, healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses and dentists carrying out non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, have to be trained and insured to do them as part of the requirements laid down by their regulatory bodies.
However, there is no set training for non-professionals such as beauty therapists.
An estimated 900,000 Botox injections are carried out in the UK each year. Save Face – a government approved register of accredited practitioners – received almost 3,000 complaints in 2022. More than two thirds of those complaints related to dermal fillers and almost a quarter related to Botox.
Now, a government consultation has been launched to explore how non-surgical cosmetic treatments can be made safer.
Under the proposed plans, anyone carrying out Botox, breast or butt lift injections would have to be trained and licensed, with their premises also inspected.
It could also include age limits and restrictions for high-risk procedures. This could include treatments that involve injecting fillers into intimate parts of the body, such as the breasts and buttocks.
Increasing popularity
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.’
Ashton Collins, director of Save Face, added: ‘Whilst we appreciate that we are still at very early stages of any potential licensing scheme being implemented in England, we are delighted to have been invited by the government to contribute our thoughts and ideas ahead of the release of this public consultation.
‘Being involved in the process has enabled Save Face to actively contribute to roundtable discussions with ministers, policy makers and key stakeholders.’
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