BCAM celebrates Toxin & Fillers Bill success & pioneers collaboration with DHSC

A Private Members Bill to outlaw toxin and filler injections for under 18s has passed its third reading in the House of Lords and is set to become law - a milestone celebrated by the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM).

Following Royal Assent of the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Bill yesterday (Thursday) it will become law later this year, making it illegal for practitioners to treat under 18s with toxin injections such as Botox and filler treatments like lip enhancement.

BCAM President Dr Uliana Gout said the new law was a positive step towards regulation and furthered BCAM’s aim of aesthetic medicine being recognised as a speciality in its own right.

“Most people wrongly assumed that these treatments were already outlawed for under 18s, so this is fantastic news for those of us campaigning for regulation of the sector. BCAM is very proud to support the Bill and to collaborate with the Department of Health and Social Care on national data collection which helps to inform and influence government decision-making,” she said.  

Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott introduced the backbench bill in October 2020 when she told the House of Commons: “This is a largely unregulated industry, and so the data we have only represents the tip of the iceberg. We know there are huge pressures on young people to conform to the unrealistic and unattainable ideals they see on social media. However, despite all the dangers there is currently no legal age limit for dermal filler or Botox procedures. This means any 15-year-old schoolgirl could just walk into a shop and get their lips injected by someone with no qualifications. This cannot be right.”

BCAM carries out an annual review of members’ clinical activity, collating data from thousands of treatments carried out by doctors and dentists across the UK.

BCAM trustee Dr Aggie Zatonska, who oversees the BCAM Annual Clinical Review, said: “We are working with the DHSC to collect information that could inform future government policies and decisions. We hope this data will provide tangible evidence to encourage further regulation.”

Once the Bill becomes law, under 18s seeking botulinum toxin and cosmetic fillers for medical reasons will need to consult a registered healthcare professional such as a doctor or nurse.

BCAM’s members are all qualified doctors and dentists with many years’ experience in aesthetic medicine. As a designated body, BCAM conducts revalidation and appraisals for its members to ensure they practice safely and adhere to regulations.

BCAM trustee Dr Bhavjit Kaur, who is responsible for PR and membership, said: “BCAM is a charity committed to raising standards and increasing public safety. We will continue to campaign for regulation of the aesthetic medicine sector to protect the public from potential harm.

“This new law is wonderful news in BCAM’s 20th anniversary year, which we are celebrating with some exciting developments including a new logo, website and branding in line with our charity status, focusing on furthering patient education and empowerment,” she said.

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