The UK government has promised to tackle the “wild west” of cosmetics procedures with new regulations.
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced plans to push through fresh legislation of the aesthetic and non-invasive procedures sector to protect people from botched treatments.
Clinics administrating botulism toxin and fillers will have to be licensed and meet strict standards to obtain approval.
The new rules will also mean only suitably qualified health care professionals will be able to perform high-risk procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs).
Plus, new age restrictions will be put in place for certain high-risk treatments and procedures to protect under-18s.
The move comes after widespread calls from across the beauty industry for greater regulation amid the rising popularity of cosmetic ‘tweakments’.
Currently there are few rules covering these types of procedures, including who can perform them, leaving people at risk of harm.
“The cosmetics industry has been plagued by a ‘Wild West’ of dodgy practitioners and procedures,” said Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth.
“There are countless horror stories of cosmetic cowboys causing serious, catastrophic damage.
“This government is taking action to protect those seeking treatments, support honest and competent practitioners, and root out the cowboys as part of our Plan for Change.
“This is not about stopping anyone from getting treatments – it is about preventing rogue operators from exploiting people at the expense of their safety and keeping people safe.
“We are giving them peace of mind and reducing the cost to the NHS of fixing botched procedures.”
The British Beauty Council, which represents the industry and has called for stricter oversight, welcomed the move.
“The council welcomes this commitment and it would like to push the Government on implementing proposed changes and forthcoming legislation as promptly as possible to ensure not only the protection of the general public but also the professionalisation of the beauty sector,” Millie Kendall, CEO of the British Beauty Council, told Cosmetics Business.
Not yet a Subscriber?
This is a small extract of the full article which is available ONLY to premium content subscribers. Click below to get premium content on Cosmetics Business.
Subscribe now Already a subscriber? Sign in here.