The public will be protected against botched Botox and fillers,
as the government confirms its intention to introduce a licensing
regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
An amendment to the Health and Care Bill tabled tomorrow (Tuesday
1 March) would give the Secretary of State for Health and Social
Care the power to introduce a licensing regime for Botox and
fillers, the scope and details of which will be determined via
extensive engagement including a public consultation.
Although the majority of the aesthetics industry shows good
practice when it comes to patient safety, this step will
ensure consistent standards and protect individuals from
those without licences, including from the
potentially harmful physical and mental impacts of poorly
performed cosmetic procedures.
It is the latest move by the government to safeguard those who
access non-surgical cosmetic treatments and follows on from new
legislation making it illegal to administer such treatments to
under 18s, and banning adverts on all forms of media including
social media, influencer advertising and traditional advertising
for cosmetic procedures which target under 18s.
Health and Social Care Secretary said:
“While most of those in the aesthetics industry follow good
practice when it comes to patient safety, far too many people
have been left emotionally and physically scarred after botched
cosmetic procedures.
“I am committed to protecting patient safety by making it
an offence for someone to perform these cosmetic procedures
without a licence.
“We're doing all we can to protect patients from potential harm,
but I urge anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to take the
time to think about the impact on both their physical and mental
health and ensure they are using a reputable, safe and qualified
practitioner.”
Minister for Patient Safety said:
“The spread of images on social media has contributed to an
increase in demand for cosmetic procedures such as Botox and
fillers. While these can be administered safely, we are seeing an
unacceptable rise in people being left physically and mentally
scarred from poorly performed procedures.
“Today’s amendment is the next step on the road to effective
regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England.”
The licensing scheme will introduce consistent standards that
individuals carrying out non-surgical cosmetic procedures will
have to meet, as well as hygiene and safety standards for
premises.
It will focus on those cosmetic procedures which, if improperly
performed, have the potential to cause harm such as Botox and
fillers.
This amendment in addition to ongoing work with the Medicines and
Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on the potential to bring
certain devices, such as dermal fillers without a medical
purpose, in scope of medical device regulations. The government
is currently analysing responses form a public consultation which
ran to 25 November 2021 and will publish a formal response in due
course.
Further details on a public consultation will be set out in due
course.
