Scotland is ‘Worst in Europe’ for Risky Cosmetic Fillers

Healthcare professionals, including members of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN), have raised concerns about the lack of regulation in the aesthetics industry, particularly in Scotland.

BACN Honorary Members, Jackie Partridge and Francis Turner Traill, spoke to BBC Journalist Georgina Hayes to warn that unqualified individuals are administering cosmetic treatments like dermal fillers, leading to potential harm for consumers.

Unlike other countries, the UK lacks stringent regulations limiting such procedures to trained healthcare professionals. Furthermore, Scotland has yet to implement a ban on under-18s receiving these treatments, unlike England where such a ban has been in place since 2021.

The absence of regulations has led to an influx of unqualified practitioners advertising on social media platforms, with nearly 90% of patients finding their practitioners through these channels. This situation has contributed to a rise in complications associated with cosmetic procedures, including infections, necrosis, and blindness. Additionally, the prevalence of unlicensed and counterfeit products, such as Botox, poses further risks to patient safety.

Despite calls for action and promises from the Scottish government to ensure that cosmetic treatments are performed by trained professionals, no concrete steps have been taken. This lack of regulation has prompted concerns about patient safety and the need for stricter oversight in the industry. Individuals like Renata Wojno, who experienced complications from a cosmetic procedure, highlight the urgent need for regulations to protect consumers.

In response to these concerns, Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) has emphasized the importance of treatments being provided by regulated providers and trained healthcare professionals. The Scottish government acknowledges the need for future regulation but has not provided specific timelines or details on potential measures. Public Health Minister Jenni Minto has stated that all options are being considered, including age restrictions and training requirements, to ensure the safety of individuals seeking cosmetic treatments in Scotland.

Read the full BBC article online at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3gejz2n7nro

All BACN members in Scotland are registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, abide by the BACN Code of Professional Conduct, and are regulated by The Nursing and Midwifery Council. If you, or someone you know, is considering having a treatment, please make them aware of the importance of going to a regulated clinic - it's more important than ever.

The BACN will continue to advocate that only Medical Professionals should undertake these treatments to improve patient safety and well-being.