BCAM Welcomes Lords’ Support Of Licensing Scheme For Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) has welcomed the House of Lords’ support for a licensing system for non-surgical cosmetic procedures that forms part of the Health and Care Bill currently passing through Parliament.

BCAM’s annual members’ survey of clinical activity over the last few years has shown growing concern from its c400 members over complications they are seeing from treatments such as botulinum toxin injections and fillers carried out by non-healthcare professionals.

BCAM trustee Dr Aggie Zantonska, who is responsible for the Annual Clinical Review, said: “We have seen an alarming rise in complications that goes hand-in-hand with the increased demand for these kind of treatments so it is essential that they are properly regulated and practitioners are suitably qualified.”

Amendments to the Health and Care Bill giving the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care power to introduce a licensing scheme for treatments such as botulinum toxin and fillers were agreed by the House of Lords on Monday evening.

BCAM President Dr Uliana Gout said: “It is encouraging to hear the amendments were agreed without challenge and we will watch with interest the Bill’s progress through Parliament. BCAM has long campaigned for regulation in the aesthetic medicine sector to protect the public from potential harm and raise standards.

“As qualified healthcare professionals, BCAM members often treat complications caused by practitioners who do not have the appropriate experience and expertise so we welcome the introduction of a regulatory framework and we look forward to being involved in the planned consultation process.”

Dr Gout and BCAM colleagues met with representatives from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) earlier this week to discuss the planned new regulatory framework and to offer support during the consultation. The Bill is likely to become law in spring/summer 2023 and stakeholder consultation will then commence to determine precise details of the licensing system.

Dr Gout said: “BCAM represents doctors and dentists practising aesthetic medicine so we are leaders in the field and can share our expert knowledge and experience to help shape the new licensing scheme. We look forward to working with the government and other stakeholders on this significant step towards regulation of the sector.”

BCAM is a charity committed to public safety and education. The College plans to launch its own campaign in coming weeks to help people make safe choices when selecting aesthetic practitioners.

“The lack of regulation in this sector exposes the public to risk because they don’t know how to find an experienced and qualified practitioner to carry out treatments. Invasive procedures such as botulinum toxin injections and fillers should be administered by healthcare professionals who are prescribers and understand the physiology of the face.

“BCAM plans to launch a public campaign to help people make safe choices when seeking aesthetic treatments, advising what questions to ask to ensure the practitioner is suitably qualified, experienced and insured,” Dr Gout said.

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