Launching today, the eight week consultation will gather feedback on further regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Scotland
Developed in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, the Scottish government’s new consultation sets out a clear framework for increased patient safety. It aims to ensure that clients: ‘undergo procedures with confidence, and responsible, safe providers can continue offering them’.
The public consultation proposes that non-surgical cosmetic procedures (NSCPS) should only take place in independent clinics and healthcare centres that are regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), or, a premises that is licensed by a local authority.
It also proposes that anyone who performs NSCPS should hold a licence or be regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
These procedures include breast and buttock augmentation, liposuction, hair restoration surgery, vitamin infusions, weight loss injections, ablative lasers, botulinum toxin injections, chemical peels and dermal fillers etc.
The Scottish Government is also seeking public views on the degree to which children and young people should be able to access non-surgical cosmetic procedures and whether to put in place any age restrictions for such procedures.
Procedures have been divided into three groups according to the level of risk and the level of medical knowledge or training required to conduct the procedures safely:
Group 1: Lowest level of risk – Can be safely carried out by a trained, licensed practitioner who is not a healthcare professional, should be undertaken in either a licensed premises or a HIS regulated setting.
Group 2: More invasive than Group 1 – Can be safely carried out by a trained, licensed practitioner who is not a healthcare professional, but they should be supervised by an appropriate healthcare professional. Should only be undertaken in HIS regulated premises.
Group 3: Highest level of risk – Should be undertaken in HIS regulated premises and should always be undertaken by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Victoria Brownlie MBE, Chief Policy and Sustainability Officer says:
“The British Beauty Council strongly welcomes this move by the Scottish Government to more effectively regulate the aesthetics sector. We have long been calling for robust training and qualifications, mandatory insurance, premises standards and inspections across all of the UK which will help to ensure patient safety and instil greater public confidence in the treatments and services offered.
“This consultation is a key step forward in raising the reputation of the beauty industry as a whole. We urge as many people as possible to share their views, expertise and insights to increase the likelihood of meaningful legislation.”
You can share your thoughts and contribute to the consultation here.
