Bradley is urging the Government to introduce mandatory licensing for non-surgical aesthetic treatments.
It follows a meeting with Nicky Robinson - the owner of NR Aesthetics & Skin LTD - a CQC regulated medical aesthetics clinic in Blackwell, Bromsgrove, who raised concerns with Bradley about the damage being done to individuals by a largely unregulated group of practitioners.
Currently in the UK there is no regulation at all in medical aesthetic procedures. There is also no legal training requirements for beauty therapists and aesthetic practitioners injecting Botox or other brands of botulinum toxin, or dermal fillers.
In 2023, Save Face, a government-approved register for medical aesthetic treatments, received reports from more than 3,000 people of complications or unwanted outcomes from cosmetic procedures. 48% of the complaints were from girls between 18 and 25 years old.
The Health and Social Care Act 2022 gives the Government the power to introduce a new licensing scheme and age limits for non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
This would help improve standards and protect individuals from those without licences, including from the potentially harmful physical and mental impacts of poorly performed cosmetic procedures.
However, no licensing scheme has been introduced, prompting Bradley to question the Government in the House of Commons yesterday (January 16th).
Bradley said:
“Like me, I’m sure my constituents will be shocked to learn that there is no regulation at all of medical aesthetic procedures in the UK. I want to thank Nicky Robinson for bringing this issue to my attention and for the work she has done to protect people from unregulated professionals.
“Fuelled by social media and societal pressures, demand for non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as Botox and lip fillers on the high street by unregulated professionals is on the rise and is an emergent healthcare crisis across the country.
“I’m urging the Government to introduce mandatory licensing to protect professional clinicians and the country’s health from black market Botox and medical aesthetic procedures.
“We need action now before anyone else suffers from adverse effects from botched procedures, or even worse, tragically loses their life.”
Nicky Robinson said:
“The aesthetics industry in the UK is continuing to rapidly evolve, yet the country remains significantly behind other nations in terms of implementing comprehensive regulation. Despite a consultation undertaken in September 2023, no further progress has been made to address this critical issue.
“Ensuring the safety of members of the public seeking aesthetic treatments is of paramount concern. Individuals should only seek treatments from registered medical practitioners to mitigate the risks associated with unregulated practices.
“Recognising the urgency of this matter, I am delighted that Member of Parliament Bradley Thomas is taking this serious issue forward, with the aim of reigniting discussions with the Secretary of State to ensure regulation is prioritised and implemented in the aesthetics industry.”
