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New Government Laws In Unregulated Cosmetic Procedures

By Florence Goulbourne

As the UK market of cosmetic procedures rapidly expands, the spread of awareness in this sector has led to a rise in demand for Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Botulinum Toxins) and Dermal Fillers. However, with non-surgical cosmetic procedures taking the industry by storm – the concern regarding unregulated treatments is also expanding seemingly as quick.

Indeed, as the want for cosmetic procedures escalates, so does the off-chance that a patient will be treated by an unlicensed or unregulated practitioner. Or on the other hand, treated with unlicensed Toxins and/or Dermal Fillers that can be just as dangerous.

On the 28th of February 2022, the government announced plans for those administering Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Dermal Fillers to be licensed under the new regulation. The new licensing plans, included in an amendment to the Health and Care Bill, aims to help protect patients from botched cosmetic procedures which can lead to devastating results. Botched cosmetic procedures are those which are carried out badly or carelessly, resulting in an unattractive result that can sometimes come with devastating side effects.

Sajid Javid Health Secretary

Health Secretary, Sajid Javid commented on the new regulation stating:   “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.”   This new licensing law follows the ban on non-surgical cosmetic procedures for those under 18 with the government imposing stricter rules on the aesthetics industry. Following an upward thrust of horror stories regarding botched beauty procedures in the UK, the regulation of requiring a license will now make it an offence to carry out non-surgical procedures including Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Dermal Fillers.

As the government confirms its intentions to introduce this regime to the aesthetics industry – patients are still urged to do in-depth research before booking an appointment.

Despite the majority of the aesthetics industry showcasing structured practice when it comes to the safety of their patients, the new regulation as per the government guidelines will ensure a safer practice for patients. It will reinforce the need for safe and regulated practices to protect patients from the harmful effects of unregulated aesthetic procedures, both physical and mental. This also includes guaranteeing a hygienic environment and the correct premises requirements to carry out a treatment.

Ultimately, the new licensing scheme would aim to bring in consistent standards that people carrying out non-surgical cosmetic procedures must meet. It will predominantly focus on those cosmetic procedures which, if improperly performed, have the potential to cause harm such as Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Dermal Filler treatments.

The full extent of the licence details – covered under the Health and Care Bill – will be determined after a public consultation.

Summary

We here at Fox Pharma understand the requirements to guarantee a safe treatment protocol and we are in favour of the new regulations set by the UK government. We always urge patients to stay vigilant when opting for non-surgical cosmetic procedures and to do their research before booking. This helps to avoid any complications with the procedures and protects both the patient and the practitioner.   If you’re new to aesthetics procedures and you’re unsure what research is necessary, break it down and think about the following:

  • Is your practitioner fully qualified in the field that you require treatment?
  • Is your practitioner certified?
  • What do former patients think?
  • Does Is your practitioner have the correct documents and licensing, if you’re unsure – just ask them!

Moreover, we always urge practitioners to purchase their aesthetic supplies including Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Dermal Fillers from credible and reliable pharmacies like Fox Pharma.  See our range of aesthetic supplies online here. 

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