New cosmetic treatment law could push procedures 'underground'

Aesthetics practitioners believe treatments like Botox and dermal fillers will be “pushed underground” and the market flooded with fake, dangerous products after MSPs unanimously backed a bill to regulate the sector.

The legislation bans non-surgical cosmetic treatments for under-18s and requires that they be overseen by a qualified prescriber – such as a doctor, nurse, or dentist.

Supporters say the bill is a victory for patient safety, but some argue it’s “discriminatory”.

‘I want someone who is fully qualified’

Sandra Moffat has come to Cat Costa’s home aesthetics clinic in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, for some injectable skin boosters before her holiday.

Like thousands of Scots, she gets non-surgical cosmetic treatments, or tweakments, regularly.

Sandra told STV News: “I’ve had cheek fillers, I’ve had Botox, I prefer this to Botox. I want to come to somebody that I know is fully qualified, you know, able to do the job.

“I don’t want to go to somebody that you don’t know exactly what they’re doing or what they’re putting into you.”

Rapid growth in sector

The cosmetics sector has grown rapidly some patients have come to serious harm as a result of unregulated procedures carried out by untrained practitioners.

A new bill to strengthen safety and standards passed by MSPs last week be means premises must be registered and procedures must performed or overseen by a qualified professional.

“I do agree with some legislation,” said Cat. “I think the UK has been like the Wild West, but I don’t agree with chucking out a whole group of individuals.

“I almost feel it’s a bit of discrimination as well I think they’ll go behind the scenes and we’re going to see more backstreet operations because at the end of the day people have families to feed

“I feel we’re almost pushing people to go behind the scenes when we want the opposite. We want people to register and be on a register. I feel like we’ve almost gone the wrong direction with it.”

Concern for livelihoods

The bill has caused stir on social media with many non-medics concerned for their livelihoods.

But those who support the bill, like Jackie Partridge from Edinburgh, say safety must come first.

“There have been two deaths, so it doesn’t get much more complicated than that,” said Jackie, the clinical director at Dermal Clinic in the capital.

“This is definitely a huge step forward for patient safety across Scotland.

“I’m hoping England follows suit, but for all the campaigning and all the work we’ve done behind the scenes, there’s been a lot of effort from a lot of people that’s gone into this and I’m just thrilled.”

A new postgraduate aesthetics course in Glasgow will align with the new regulation.

Dr Valerie Ness from Glasgow Caledonian University said: “This is really to fill that gap in education for those healthcare professionals so that they’re confident as well as the public being safe.

“We know complications are occurring from some of these unsafe practices that can lead to infections and disfigurement – and psychological concern and NHS costs as well.”

Some 124 MSPs voted to back the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill on Tuesday, with none voting against and two abstentions.

According to Advice Direct Scotland, 430 people – some as young as 15 – had contacted them about botched procedures.

Public health minister Jenni Minto, speaking on behalf of the Government on Tuesday, said: “Many people have had positive experiences with responsible and caring practitioners.

“But, as the sector has grown, so have stories of people who have been harmed or injured.”

The Bill had been criticised over concerns it could result in businesses with qualified practitioners being shuttered because they are not considered to be a healthcare professional, with independent MSP Ash Regan bringing amendments at stage three.

Responding to concerns, the minister said: “I did not urge members to resist those amendments lightly, because these amendments weakened aspects of the Bill that are necessary to achieve our public safety aims.”

Minto later added: “Nevertheless, I expect the Scottish Government to continue working closely with businesses to mitigate the impact wherever possible.”