NHS medical director Sir Bruce Keogh has called for a major crackdown on cosmetic surgery and the people who can administer it.
The review said dermal fillers are a “crisis waiting to happen” and called for fillers to be a prescription only medical device.
Currently, regulation of non-surgical procedures, such as dermal fillers, Botox and laser hair removal, is the same as that of toothbrushes and ballpoint pens.
Dermal fillers are a particular cause for concern, the review said, with anyone able to administer the procedure amid an “explosive growth” in the market.
The cosmetic surgery industry is booming at the moment, with an estimated worth of £2.3bn in 2010, a figure which is forecast to reach £3.6bn in 2015.
This review into the cosmetic surgery industry was commissioned late last year, after Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) breast implants caused a global health scare.
Recommendations have called for a change in the law to ensure that all practitioners possess the right skills to carry out cosmetic procedures, that all products used are safe, and that all cosmetic surgery providers act responsibly. The review also raised concerns about acceptable advertising practices in the industry; calling for methods such as time-limited deals and “buy one get one free” offers to be banned.
Sir Bruce’s findings will now be passed to health ministers throughout the UK.
Fiona Hedges, Head of Clinical Negligence at Clear Law, said “In the wake of the PIP scandal which affected thousands of women physically, mentally and financially, this can only be deemed a good and sensible approach for the government to take action and bring regulation to the industry. Too many people consider those treating them to work in a professional capacity when that is not always the case and they may not have any adequate training or qualification.
“Professional websites and marketing lure the public who are in pursuit of perfection with the promise of long lasting results which, unfortunately at times can be misleading, leaving people worse off both in looks and financially.”
Clear Law’s specialist medical negligence solicitors have helped many victims of cosmetic surgery and medical negligence. If you have suffered through no fault of your own, give us a call on 0800 999 1875 or contact us directly via our website: www.mercurylegal.co.uk. You can also contact us at any time through our Facebook and Twitter pages.