NHBF supports official licensing scheme for aesthetic non-surgical cosmetic treatments in UK

The NHBF has been instrumental in working on an amendment to the Health & Care Bill that will add in a licensing scheme for aesthetic non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England. This amendment has been sent to all MPs by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) asking for their support. 

Aesthetic non-surgical cosmetic procedures can include a wide range of procedures available directly to members of the public. These procedures are aimed at enhancing or altering appearance and include lip fillers, injectables (such as Botox), thread lifts, semi-permanent makeup, laser treatments, piercings and tattoos. 

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number and type of non-surgical aesthetic procedures performed in the UK. Practitioners, both medically
and non-medically trained, are performing procedures without being able to evidence appropriate training and required standards of oversight or supervision for high- risk procedures. 

Aesthetic non-surgical cosmetic procedures can cause serious harm to consumers if they are not carried out correctly in a safe environment or by competent and trained practitioners. Procedures that puncture the skin carry the risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses, if appropriate infection control measures are not taken, whilst a lack of training and competence can lead to serious injuries. 

Caroline Larissey, director of quality and standards at the NHBF, said: “With the support of the Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellness All Party Parliamentary Group, the NHBF has been campaigning for a system to help to better regulate practitioners who provide aesthetic non-surgical cosmetic procedures, to ensure that they have the appropriate qualifications, experience and skills to practice safely. 

Following the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021* this amendment to the Health and Care Bill would be a further step in the right direction to protect consumers, who overwhelmingly support the need for greater regulation.”   

*This is the bill which led to the ban in aesthetic procedures on those aged under 18. 

The CIEH reports that the proposed amendment has been gaining increasing support from MPs, stakeholders, as well as beauty industry bodies such as the NHBF. 

MPs will discuss this proposal at a House of Commons debate on 22November, and if successful will be the first step towards mandatory (legal) registration.

 The full Parliamentary Briefing can be downloaded here.

Further information please visit: @nhbfsocial