Licensing scheme targets aesthetic treatments
We welcome a government move to introduce a national licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
The aim of the scheme is to establish consistent standards across the aesthetics sector and improve public protection.
The measures set out by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) seek to limit cosmetic procedures that can result in dangerous complications, permanent scarring and even death, if performed by those with inadequate qualifications and competencies.
A local authority licensing system is to be developed to regulate all cosmetic treatments, with the delivery of high-risk aesthetic procedures like Brazilian Butt Lifts subject to stricter rules and regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
In addition, the Government also intends to impose an 18+ age limit on high-risk cosmetic procedures.
Prohibition notice in the district
Epping Forest District Council was one of the first local authorities to issue a prohibition notice on a practitioner operating in the district, preventing them from carrying out a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure (BBL) until risks to people undergoing the procedure were controlled.
This was after the council had received complaints from several people who experienced complications following a BBL procedure.
It investigated reports of local firms and one specific practitioner in particular offering the procedure.
Consistency across the industry
I am proud that our council’s Environmental Health Team was at the forefront of clamping down on these risky procedures in our district.
It is good to see that the Government is taking concerns even further by introducing a licencing scheme to safeguard people by establishing consistent standards across the aesthetics industry.
Councillor Paula Keska, Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Technical and Community Safety Services
Further information
More information can be found on the GOV.UK website and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health website.
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