A REVIEW of non-surgical cosmetic procedures has been launched in Scotland in a bid to improve client safety.
Scots are being asked for their views on how best to further regulate treatments as concern mounts over a growing trend in riskier procedures performed by people without formal training.
Independent healthcare clinics in Scotland are already regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, but the sector across the UK is not fully regulated.
The number of procedures which pierce and penetrate the skin is increasing and the Scottish Government is considering what requirements can be put in place to reduce the potential for harm.
The new survey builds on a previous one in 2020 and puts forward more detailed proposals for what that further regulation could look like.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto (below) said the Government wants to ensure procedures are carried out by qualified practitioners.
She said: “It is distressing to hear of cases where people have suffered as a result of non-surgical cosmetic procedures going wrong.
“The current gaps in regulation means that anyone can perform most of these procedures without the need for any formal training or qualifications and this consultation aims to gather a wide range of views on how best to address this.
“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that robust and proportionate regulation is introduced to ensure that people who choose to have these procedures can do so with the confidence they will be safe.”
On the consultation documents, the Government is proposing non-surgical cosmetic procedures should take place in either an independent clinic or setting regulated by HIS or a premises which is licensed by the local authority.
Ministers have also said procedures should be carried out by a suitably trained and qualified practitioner or an “appropriate healthcare professional”.
Where procedures take place on a licensed premises, the Government is recommending the practitioner also be licensed.
It adds: “We do not believe that all procedures are appropriate in all settings. As such we propose to divide procedures into three groups based on factors such as how invasive they are, the level of risk and the level of medical knowledge or training required to conduct the procedures safely.”
The highest risk procedures – in group 3 – should always be undertaken by an appropriate healthcare professional in a HIS regulated premises, it is being proposed.
Professor David Sines, chair of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners, said the proposals put forward by the Government will “dramatically improve” patient safety.
He said: “I warmly welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to consult on this new, proposed scheme of regulation and licensing.
“In my opinion the proposals included in this consultation document will dramatically improve consumer safety and reduce the risk of injury and harm arising from improperly performed cosmetic treatments. Nothing is more important than public protection and patient safety.
“I would urge everybody to support this move towards sensible and proportionate regulation in this important sector.”
To take part in the consultation and find out more details on proposals, click here.
