In a report published on July 21 2021 by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing (the APPG), into botox, fillers and similar aesthetic non-surgical cosmetic treatments, MPs call on the Government to address complete absence of regulation over botox and fillers. They say that maintaining the status quo is not an option, following the explosion in popularity of the treatments. The Report comes following a year wide investigation and its recommendations are based on evidence given in public inquiry sessions and written submissions from a wide range of stakeholders including trade associations, aesthetics industry operators, trainers, practitioners, health bodies, regulatory agencies and consumers themselves.
The 7 recommendations in the report include:
- Setting national minimum standards for practitioner training;
- Mandate practitioners hold a regulated qualification in line with national standards;
- Legislate to introduce a national licensing framework;
- Make fillers prescription only;
- Develop and mandate psychological pre-screening of customers;
- Extend the ban on U18s receiving botox and fillers to other invasive aesthetic treatments;
- Place advertising restrictions on dermal fillers and other invasive aesthetic treatments;
- Require social media platforms to do more to curb misleading ads and posts promoting these treatments.
Co-Chairs of the APPG, Carolyn Harris MP and Judith Cummins MP, said:
“For too long there have been next to no limits on who can carry out aesthetic treatments, what qualifications they must have, or where they can administer them.
“We launched this inquiry as we were deeply concerned that as the number of advanced treatments on the market continues to grow, the regulation remains fragmented, obscure and out of date which puts the public at risk.
“We were also particularly concerned about the advertising and social media promotion of these treatments and how to make sure vulnerable people, such as children and those at risk from mental ill-health, are protected.
“We strongly urge the Government to implement the recommendations in our report and to take action to improve to improve the situation for the benefit of the industry and public safety. Maintaining the status quo is simply not an option.”