Face Up to the Law Around Aesthetics

Do you know much about the law and legislation around aesthetic treatments? There must be plenty, surely? After all, such treatments can be invasive and carry risks. There can be side effects and complications. It makes sense that the legislation must be strict and comprehensive, then? Well, no, actually. Currently, ANYONE can carry out aesthetic treatments. Anyone.

We talked in our last blog about how much has changed for the better in the aesthetics and wellbeing niche. It’s really concerning that, as more and more people choose to invest in non-surgical treatments, that there’s still no regulation or governing body.

Facing Up to Facts

To us – and other clinics and therapists like us – all medically qualified, insured and dedicated to perfecting our skills and always, always with safety in mind, this is scary. To you, or anyone considering aesthetic or anti-ageing treatments, it should be terrifying. And this underlines why you MUST do your homework before allowing anyone near your face with needles, lasers, or chemicals.

Currently, there is NO:

• Requirement to keep records of practitioners providing such treatments.
• Legal requirement to follow protocols.
• Monitoring or inspections of the practice.
• Requirement to comply with set standards.
• Set standards of proficiency.
• Laws specifically regarding the safe provision of treatments.
• Prescription-only status for dermal fillers.
• Obligation to have plans in place in case of problems.
• Legal requirement for insurance cover or redress in the case of mishaps or problems.

That’s right. There is literally NO government legislation, no law, here in the UK to regulate the aesthetics sector and no restrictions set down to determine who can legally inject your face, paint chemicals onto your skin or apply lasers to your body. Does that concern you? It really should.

Beware; the Law is Lacking

This lack of central legislation and control potentially exposes people to unmitigated risk. Certain local authorities introduced their own measures, and do inspect and monitor aesthetics clinics and premises. However, these aren’t standardised, and there are questions around how measures can be enforced.

We, and our industry colleagues, as well as the JCCP (Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners) welcome the recent news of steps towards regulating the industry. The JCCP last year released a 10-point plan outlining its aims to make the aesthetic sector safer and more accountable. Clinics will have to be licensed to conduct non-surgical cosmetic and aesthetic procedures like anti-wrinkle injections, Profhilo, and dermal fillers under new Government plans to regulate the industry and protect people from unqualified, unskilled and potentially dangerous practitioners. The Health and Care Bill will be amended to introduce move towards more robust control and regulation within the sphere.

Take Care of Your Skin

In the meantime, it’s vital to ascertain the person about to inject your face is suitable and safe to do so – and knows EXACTLY what they’re doing, and why, and how. Don’t be swayed by so-called influencers or social media. Dig deeper and check reviews and testimonials for yourself:

• 

  It’s critical your practitioner knows a face – inside out

  Don’t allow anyone to treat you without a thorough consultation.

• Query your practitioner’s experience and qualifications.
• Ask for client testimonials, and before and after photos.
• Ensure the practitioner is insured.
• Ask about recovery time, aftercare and any possible side effects or complications.

A good clinician will be happy to answer all your questions and fully discuss any concerns. What if they won’t? Run a mile. Don’t even look back, however cheap, whatever the alleged special offer.

Saving YOUR Face

The legislation can’t come soon enough. We’re proud to be part of Save Face, a national register of accredited practitioners. The Save Face register is accredited by Professional Standards Authority and is recognised by the Department of Health, the NHS England and CQC, the Care Quality Commission. Save Face developed the register to encourage the very highest standards of patient care, practice, knowledge and training. They devised these standards to ensure safety and best outcomes, so every Save Face registered practitioner is “inspected to ensure that they:

• Are who they say they are
• Are a registered nurse/midwife, doctor, dentist or prescribing pharmacist with specialist training and insurance in each treatment listed on their profile
• Use licensed products sourced from reputable suppliers
• Have all of the necessary paperwork in place to protect you from undue risk and harm
• Demonstrate practice standards that meet the requirements to provide you with safe treatments, in a safe environment.”

As a medical professional, I also follow all CQC (Care Quality Commission) regulations. The CQC doesn’t regulate aesthetics either, although they do regulate some of the medical aspects of our professional, and other treatments here at AL Medical Aesthetics and Wellness, such as treatment of disorders like Acne, Pigmentation, Migraines, and Bruxism, amongst others.

Your Face in Safe Hands

When you book a consultation with us, you can ask ANYTHING. We want you to be happy and confident in your choice of treatment – and treatment provider. Any practitioner worth their salt will say the same. If they’re NOT happy to discuss everything and reassure – and show credentials – run a mile. The risk isn’t just about wasting your money. It’s literally about saving face. Saving your skin.

My professional background and experience mean that you’re in the safest of safe hands when you choose AL Medical Aesthetics and Wellness for your aesthetic treatments. My dedication to the profession and to best practices can only benefit you. If only every clinic or practitioner had the same approach and diligence. It’s always quite distressing to treat a new patient following a botched job by an unqualified, unsuitable, and uninsured practitioner. Done well, by a good practitioner, aesthetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, and Profhilo skin boosters can make you look and FEEL better. NOT done well, it’s simply not worth the risk.