Tighter rules planned to protect people from botched cosmetic surgery
BBC News reports on the government's plans to introduce stricter regulations for the cosmetic surgery industry in England, aiming to protect people from harmful and potentially fatal procedures.
Currently, there are no restrictions on who can perform high-risk cosmetic procedures, such as liquid Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs), vampire facials, and chemical peels. These 'no scalpel' procedures can have severe consequences if not carried out safely.
Under the proposed rules:
- Only properly trained professionals, including doctors, dentists, and specific nurses, midwives, and pharmacists, will be authorized to offer high-risk cosmetic procedures.
- High-risk procedures on individuals under 18 will be banned.
- Rogue providers face new criminal offenses and fixed fines of up to £4,000.
The government's consultation on these changes began in 2023, driven by the need to address the activities of "cosmetic cowboys" who have been performing dangerous procedures in various non-medical settings, including Airbnbs, hotel rooms, and garden sheds.
Horror stories of complications, pain, and permanent scarring following rogue cosmetic procedures have prompted these regulatory changes.
Specific cases highlighted in the article include:
- Alice Webb, a mother-of-five, who died within hours of receiving a liquid BBL in 2024.
- Sasha Dean, from Bedfordshire, who was left in a coma after the same type of procedure. She developed sepsis and experienced severe health complications.
The Health Minister, Karin Smyth, emphasized the need to "drive cosmetic cowboys out of the market" and ensure higher standards across the industry.