Are you familiar with the laws and regulations governing aesthetic treatments? You must know a lot. These treatments are risky and can be very invasive. Side effects and complications can occur. The legislation should be comprehensive and strict. Well, no, actually. Anyone can perform aesthetic treatments at the moment. Anyone.
In our last blog we discussed how much has been accomplished in the aesthetics/wellbeing niche. It is really worrying that there is still no regulatory or governing body for non-surgical treatments as more people opt to use them.
Face the facts
This is frightening to us and all other clinics and therapists, who are all insured, medically qualified and committed to improving our skills. It should be frightening for anyone who is considering anti-aging or aesthetic treatments. This is why it is so important to do your research before you allow anyone to touch your face with chemicals, lasers, and needles.
There is currently NO:
- Record keeping requirement for practitioners who provide such treatments
- Protocols must be followed by law.
- Inspections or monitoring of the practice.
- Respect of established standards is required.
- Establish standards for proficiency
- Specific laws regarding safe treatment.
- Dermal fillers are available only with a prescription.
- Obligation to make plans for possible problems
- Legal requirement to have insurance coverage or redress for mishaps or other problems
That’s right. It is true. There is no UK government legislation to regulate the aesthetics industry. And there are no restrictions on who can legally inject chemicals onto your skin, or use lasers on your body. Is that something you are concerned about? That should.
The Law is not in your favor
People could be exposed to unavoidable risk because there is no central regulation or control. Some local authorities have implemented their own measures and now inspect and monitor clinics and other premises. These measures are not uniform and it is unclear how they can be enforced.
We welcome the announcement of regulatory steps by the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) and industry colleagues. Last year, the JCCP released a 10-point plan that outlines its goals to make the aesthetic industry safer and more accountable. Under new government plans, clinics will be required to obtain licenses to perform non-surgical aesthetic and cosmetic procedures, such as Profhilo and anti-wrinkle injectables. This is to protect patients from dangerous and unqualified practitioners. To provide more regulation and control within this sphere, the Health and Care Bill will now be amended.
Take care of your skin
It’s important to make sure that the person injecting your face with needles is safe and suitable for the job. They must also know exactly what they are doing and why. Do not be fooled by social media influencers. You can dig deeper to find out more about testimonials and reviews.
- Do not allow anyone to treat your condition without first consulting you.
- Ask about the qualifications and experience of your practitioner.
- Ask for testimonials from clients and before-and-after photos.
- Make sure the practitioner is covered.
- Ask about recovery times, aftercare, and possible side effects.
A good clinician will answer all of your questions and discuss any concerns fully. What if they don’t? Run a mile. Do not look back, no matter how cheap or special.
Save YOUR Face
- Are they who they claim to be?
- Registered nurse/midwife, doctor or dentist, with insurance for each treatment they offer.
- Only use licensed products that are sourced from reliable suppliers
- To protect yourself from harm and undue risk, make sure you have all the paperwork.
- Demonstrate safe practices in a safe environment.
CQC (Care Quality Commission), regulations are also followed by me as a medical professional. Although the CQC does not regulate aesthetics, they do regulate certain aspects of our profession and some treatments at AL Medical Aesthetics and Wellness such as the treatment of disorders like Acne and Pigmentation and Bruxism.
You can trust your face
You can ask any question you like when you book a consultation. We want you to feel confident and happy about your treatment choice – and the treatment provider. Every practitioner worth his salt will tell you the same. Do not trust anyone who isn’t willing to talk about everything, reassure and prove their credentials. It’s not about wasting money. It’s about saving your face. Saving your skin.
You can trust my professional experience and background to provide you with the best aesthetic treatments. You will benefit from my dedication to the profession, and to best practice. It would be great if every practitioner and clinic had the same attitude. It can be very distressing to see a patient after a poorly performed job by an inexperienced, unsuitable, or uninsured practitioner. If done well by a skilled practitioner, aesthetic treatments like Profhilo skin boosters and anti-wrinkle injectables can improve your appearance and feelings. It’s not worth the risk if it’s not done correctly.
It is urgent that legislation be passed. We are proud to be part Save Face a national registry of licensed practitioners. The Professional Standards Authority has accredited the Save Face registry and it is recognized by the Department of Health, NHS England, CQC, and the Care Quality Commission. Save Face created the Register to promote the highest standards in patient care, practice and knowledge. These standards were created to ensure safety and best results. Every Save Face practitioner who is registered with Save Face is “inspected” to make sure they:
