The British government is taking steps to address the growing number of complaints related to high-risk beauty treatments by considering a series of measures. Among the proposed plans is a ban on TV and social media advertisements for cosmetic procedures targeting individuals under the age of 18. Additionally, age restrictions may be implemented for riskier services. The government is also contemplating the introduction of a licensing regime that would require beauty therapists in England to register with their local authority in order to perform specific treatments.
The focus of these measures is on non-surgical treatments that carry higher risks, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and laser hair removal. The government's aim is to gather feedback from both patients who have undergone procedures and professionals working in the beauty industry regarding the proposed licensing regime. An eight-week consultation period has been initiated, which is set to close on October 28.
Last year, Save Face, an approved list of accredited cosmetic practitioners, received a staggering 3,000 complaints. The majority of these were related to dermal fillers, while approximately a quarter were in regard to Botox procedures. The government's intention is to ensure consistent standards for consumers and create a fair playing field for businesses and practitioners.
Maria Caulfield, the Minister for the Women's Health Strategy, expressed concerns over the increasing popularity of cosmetic procedures and emphasized the need for measures to prevent bad experiences resulting from inexperienced or underqualified practitioners. The goal is to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the industry in the face of rising demand for these treatments.
By implementing these proposed measures, the British government hopes to regulate the beauty industry and address the concerns and complaints surrounding high-risk beauty treatments. The focus lies on ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals undergoing such procedures, while also promoting professionalism and accountability within the industry.