After years of increased demand and growing popularity, non-surgical cosmetic treatments like fillers are still unregulated, posing a threat to public health and the reputation of the industry. Health professionals and beauty experts have been calling for stricter regulations on these types of treatments for years, and in a historical context report published today by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Aesthetics and Well-Being (APPG), it seems their calls are finally being answered.
The first of its kind, the comprehensive report includes the findings of a year-long survey of practitioner standards and qualifications, licensing, ethics and mental health considerations, and the implications of advertising on social media, concluding that “maintaining the status an option” and the current situation “not only endangers the general public, but undermines the development capacity of practitioners and operators responsible for this ever-expanding industry.”
Calling for urgent reform, the APPG made 17 recommendations to help the government develop new regulations. Some of the suggestions include establishing minimum national standards for practitioner training, extending the ban on treatment to under 18s, advertising restrictions on fillers and other invasive treatments, and prescription fillers only (unlik12e Botox, fillers are currently not classified as a medical product and can therefore be administered by anyone).
The group also urged the government to demand that social media platforms do more to tackle deceptive ads promoting invasive treatments, following the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruling. Uni earlier this year banning influencers from using “misleading” filters on beauty ads.
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APPG Co-Chairs MP Carolyn Harris and MP Judith Cummins said in a statement: “For too long there has been virtually no limit to who can perform cosmetic treatments, what qualifications they need. have or where they can administer We were also particularly concerned about the publicity and promotion on social media of these treatments and how to ensure the protection of vulnerable people, such as children and those at risk of mental illness. urge the government to implement the recommendations in our report and take action to improve the situation in the interest of industry and public safety. ”
Patient Safety Minister Nadine Dorries added: “Far too many people have had to live with the emotional and physical scars caused by their cosmetic surgery experience. Anyone considering Botox, or fillers, should do so. take a break and take the time to reflect on the potential impact of the surgery on their physical and mental health. “
Suggestions have already been made to ensure that practitioners are sufficiently trained to administer the treatments. Dr Tristan Mehta founder of Harley Academy and HISTORY advocates for all practitioners to graduate in Botox and Dermal Fillers in association with the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP). “Being qualified at Level 7 shows that you have been trained to be a safe and ethical injector – that you have received Masters level training from experts in the field,” he says. “It shows that you have studied not only the injection techniques, but also the anatomy, the aging of the face, the aging of the skin, the prevention and management of complications.”
