The government is cracking down on ‘botched’ botox and filler
Right now, in the UK, you don’t legally need a license to perform cosmetic procedures, such as botox or filler injections. It may come as a surprise, but it probably doesn’t; botched cosmetic procedures are everywhere, to the point that respected clinicians have been campaigning for official industry regulation and qualification standards for these non-surgical procedures — something that doesn’t exist currently.
This may not be the case for much longer. The UK government has announced that they will be cracking down on cosmetic practitioners without a license after what they have described as an “unacceptable” rise in botched jobs. Under proposed new laws, individuals who administer non-surgical cosmetic treatments will have to have a license in a bid to reduce the number of “cosmetic cowboys” per Health Secretary Sajid Javid.
“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,” he said. “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.”
The changes to the Health and Care legislation were put forth in parliament on 2nd March, and include consistent standards for those who carry out the treatments, as well as a slew of safety and hygiene standards for premises. Details of the new licensing regulations will be “determined via extensive engagement including a public consultation,” said the department.