Prime Minister listens to concerns about industry regulation

Prime Minister Theresa May addressed regulation issues for non-surgical treatments in the beauty and aesthetics sector in the Houses of Commons on January 23, stating the Government is working with stakeholders to increase consumer protection.

On topical debate programme Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative MP Alberto Costa, of the South Leicestershire constituent, asked May about the growing concerns for patient safety and regulation, especially as the injectables storm continued to grow throughout 2018.

Costa shared the tale of patient Rachel Napier who experienced severe complications following a lip filler treatment by a beauty therapist – a story which has had significant media coverage over the past few months.

May replied, stating: “We recognise that this growth in non-surgical treatments does increase the need for consumer protection. We are currently working with stakeholders to strengthen the regulation and we are committed to increasing the safety of these procedures in a number of ways. 

“For example, better training, robust qualifications for practitioners and clear information where people can make an informed decision about their care. We would urge anyone who is looking to have a cosmetic procedure to take the time to find a reputable, safe and qualified practitioner who is subject to statutory regulation or on a voluntary accredited register.”

Professor David Sines, chair of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), commented: “Public protection can only be achieved if members of the public are provided with an informed choice and the opportunity to receive their treatment only from appropriately trained and experienced practitioners who have been assessed by an independent body, and who are formally registered on a public facing practitioner register, such as that provided by the JCCP." 

He added: "The JCCP will continue to work with the Government and other key policy influencers to encourage regulation across the sector to raise public awareness about the risks associated with unsafe treatments and their application by inappropriately trained individuals. The JCCP will also work with others to promote informed choice among members of the public when considering such treatments.”