New regulations for cosmetic fillers planned amid concern over botched treatment
Injectable cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers and the use of Botox will have to be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional, under regulations proposed by the Scottish Government.
In a bid to improve safety in the non-surgical cosmetic industry, procedures such as “breast and buttock augmentations” will also have to be carried out by a qualified healthcare professional.
The Government is introducing a Bill to regulate the profession following concerns about botched procedures.
As the sector is not currently fully regulated, anyone can carry out the procedures without formal training.
The proposals bring in a minimum age of 18 for all procedures and classify treatments into three distinct groups.
The first of these is procedures such as microneedling, with the second being injectables like Botox or dermal fillers. The third includes “breast and buttock augmentation”.
The latter two would be required to take place in a setting regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
Public health minister Jenni Minto said: “It is deeply upsetting to hear of cases where people have suffered as a result of non-surgical cosmetic procedures going wrong.
“The current gaps in regulation mean that anyone can perform most of these procedures without the need for any formal training or qualifications. These proposals reflect our determination to protect the public and ensure high standards across this growing industry.
“I am particularly heartened by the broad support for action to make the sector safer, and we will continue to work closely with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, local authorities, and the wider industry to support a smooth and effective implementation.”