The cosmetic treatments industry faces its biggest shake up in a generation according to the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP).  A major consultation, launched by the Scottish Government today (Friday 20^th December) seeks the views of members of the public on a new scheme of licencing and regulation for non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as breast and buttock augmentation, liposuction, hair restoration surgery, vitamin infusions, weight loss injections, ablative lasers botulinum toxin injections, chemical peels and dermal fillers etc.  Professor David Sines, Chair of the JCCP says, “This will dramatically improve consumer safety and reduce the risk of injury and harm arising from ‘botched’ and improperly performed  cosmetic treatments.”

 

The proposals outlined in the consultation paper for a new scheme of licensing and regulation would require both a premises and practitioner licence to undertake lower risk procedures, with higher risk procedures restricted to a regulated setting. will involve possession of both a practitioner licence and a premises licence and will make it an offence for anybody to carry out non-surgical cosmetic treatments without a license (and/or in the absence of proposed systems of regulatory control and professional oversight). 

 

The Scottish Government is also seeking public views on the degree to which children and young people should be able to access non-surgical cosmetic procedures and whether to put in place any age restrictions for such procedures.

 

The scheme of regulation seeks to ensure that people who administer cosmetic procedures are properly experienced, trained and qualified, have the necessary insurance cover and operate from premises that are clean, hygienic and suitably regulated. 

 

The JCCP has worked closely with colleagues at the Scottish Government and regulatory authorities in the UK to achieve legally enforceable governance arrangements for the cosmetic sector.  The Scottish Government’s new consultation document is the result of long-term work and collaboration to co-design a new, sustainable system of regulation to protect members of the public.

 

Professor David Sines CBE, Chair of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners, said:

 

“In recent years we have seen a massive growth in the number and types of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.  Alongside this growth we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of complaints about substandard treatments, unregulated cosmetic products and unsuitable treatment premises”. 

 

“All too often it is the NHS – and therefore the taxpayer – that has to pick up the pieces when a cosmetic procedure goes wrong.  The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners has seen a 400% increase in complaints in the last year alone, so we warmly welcome this important step towards proper regulation.  Nothing is more important than public protection and patient safety.”

 

“I warmly welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to consult on this new, proposed scheme of regulation and licensing. In my opinion the proposals included in this consultation document will dramatically improve consumer safety and reduce the risk of injury and harm arising from improperly performed cosmetic treatments. Nothing is more important than public protection and patient safety”.

 

“I would urge everybody to support this move towards sensible and proportionate regulation in this important sector”.

 

 You can view the complete consultation on the Scottish Government's website here.

 

 

 

Notes for Editors

 

- For more information, please contact John Underwood on 07730 955689 or john.underwood@jccp.org.uk

 

- Prof David Sines, chair of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Procedures, is available for interview on this matter. 

 

- The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners is a UK national body that registers practitioners who meet their published standards and approves education and training providers, in the fields of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.  It exists to provide a source of information and guidance for patients and members of the public with the key remit of ensuring patient safety and enhancing public protection.

 

- The JCCP’s practitioner register  is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority which is accountable to Parliament, and which oversees the regulation of health and care professionals working in occupations that involve statutory regulation (for example, doctors, registered nurses, dentists, pharmacists and designated allied health professionals).  The Professional Standards Authority accredits voluntary registers of health and care practitioners in those areas that are not yet regulated by law.  The JCCP operates an accredited register for practitioners in the fields of non-surgical cosmetic procedures and hair restoration surgery.

 

- The JCCP register is open to designated practitioners working in the fields of cosmetic treatments provided they can demonstrate evidence of competence and proficiency in accordance with their prescribed standards.  The register is available to members of the public who are strongly advised to check the registration of their cosmetic provider before beginning treatment.