The work of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners and Aesthetic Complications Expert Group

Practitioners and the public should be encouraged and have the opportunity to be able to report complications more easily

The past few months have been a rollercoaster ride, as medical clinics have reopened and the demand for non-surgical aesthetic treatments have risen to an all-time high, without showing any signs of dwindling. Everyone seems to be getting used to the new normal, and many are continuing with the use of masks and visors and increased cleaning, which can only be a benefit to normal practice.

In addition to this, the medical aesthetics industry has been very much in focus with the Government and a call for greater regulation. Earlier this year, the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021 was passed, banning cosmetic treatments for those under the age of 18 years. More recently, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) proposed recommendations, including a national licensing regime and minimum qualifications required for people carrying out medical aesthetic treatments. However, it did fall short of stating that higher risk and invasive procedures should only be performed by a registered and insured healthcare practitioner.