Unlicensed Botox providers to be banned in England
Unlicensed Botox providers are set to be banned in England under new plans to protect patients.
The health secretary, Sajid Javid, has revealed plans to introduce licences for cosmetic treatments, including Botox and dermal fillers. Currently, there is very little regulation and practitioners do not have to hold a licence to administer treatment. Botox is widely available from beauty salons, as well as aesthetic and dental clinics.
The industry was previously branded the “Wild West” by MPs due to the lack of regulation. In 2021, new laws were introduced to ban under 18s from having treatment. This new measure is a step further and would mean that anyone who wants Botox or fillers could enjoy peace of mind that the practitioner has the relevant licence.
Health minister, Maria Caulfield, said that there has been an “unacceptable” rise in botched procedures, as fillers and Botox have become more popular. People are exposed to advertising and images online and via social media and they are often tempted by offers and discounts.
Unlike dentists and medical professionals who have extensive training and qualifications, some practitioners that offer non-surgical cosmetic treatments have little training and no medical expertise.
Introducing new laws, which require providers to have a licence, will ensure consistency for consumers. New guidelines will also make sure that any premises that are used for treatment meet the required health, safety and hygiene standards.
Ashton Collins, from Save Face, described unlicensed operators as “ghosts” and said that they appear everywhere, encouraging people to have treatment and then disappearing if customers have a complaint, or they are unhappy with the results. A new licensing scheme would help to protect customers and improve clinical standards.
Hannah Russell, the chief executive of Glowday, a site that connects consumers with trained, approved medical practitioners, wants the new system to be robust. She has urged ministers to make the licensing criteria tough and suggests that it should include prior experience, the ability to minimise the risk of complications and address them if they arise and the ability to make sure that customers consent.
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