A government consultation has been launched to explore how Botox and other non-surgical cosmetic treatments can be made safer amid concerns around unscrupulous practitioners.
An estimated 900,000 botulinum toxin injections are carried out in the UK each year, and Save Face – a government-approved register of accredited practitioners – received almost 3,000 complaints in 2022, with more than two-thirds of those relating to dermal fillers and almost a quarter relating to Botox.
The consultation will consider age restrictions on certain procedures, as well as the introduction of a licensing scheme for practitioners and cosmetic businesses operating in England.
The women’s health minister, Maria Caulfield, said: “Whether it’s Botox, dermal fillers or even a chemical peel, we have heard too many stories of people who’ve had bad experiences from getting a cosmetic procedure from someone who is inexperienced or underqualified.”
She said it was its “role to ensure consistent standards for consumers and a level playing field for businesses and practitioners”.
The consultation will take views from industry professionals and individuals who have undergone non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as laser hair removal, and dermal fillers, to give their views on how the industry can be made safer.
In June, the Guardian reported on a growing number of complaints about non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts and breast enhancements, involving dermal filler or fat being injected into the buttocks to add volume and definition. The same can be done to enhance breasts. These high-risk procedures are likely to be covered in the consultation.
The director of Save Face, Ashton Collins, said it was delighted to be invited to contribute to the public consultation. “Being involved in the process has enabled Save Face to actively contribute to roundtable discussions with ministers, policymakers and key stakeholders,” she said.
“This will enable us to help develop a fit-for-purpose scheme that has public safety as its primary focus. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the government and key stakeholders during the next stages of the process.”
Prof David Sines, the chair of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners, said he warmly welcomed the government’s decision to consult on a proposed licensing scheme.
He said: “It will help to ensure that people who undergo non-surgical cosmetic procedures receive treatment from practitioners who are properly trained and qualified, have the necessary insurance cover and operate from premises that are safe and hygienic.”
The consultation will run for eight weeks and will close on 28 October.
It follows the passing of the Health and Care Act in April 2022, which gave the health secretary the power to introduce a licensing regime.
Under the proposed scheme, which will be operated by local authorities in England, practitioners will need to be licensed to perform specific procedures, and the premises from which they operate will also need to be licensed.
