Busting the myths

 

The government consultation on a new licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures is attracting a good deal of media interest and much comment on social media too.  Alongside the facts and the figures there are also a number of myths and inaccuracies.

 

It is important that we dispel any inaccuracies and ensure that everyone – including practitioners and members of the public – has a proper understanding of the new proposed licensing scheme.

 

MYTH NUMBER ONE

 

The current consultation is being run by the JCCP, the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners.

 

No, it is not.  This is an official government consultation and the JCCP is just one of many organisations that will be responding to it.

 

MYTH NUMBER TWO

 

This will create a black market and drive unlicensed cosmetic practitioners underground?

 

No, it won’t.  The new proposed licensing scheme is designed to improve patient safety.  Anybody who practises in the future without a licence will be breaking the law.  Proper enforcement will ensure the law is obeyed and will improve patient safety. Once the new license is enforced members of the public will seek out appropriately licensed practitioners in the interests of public protection and safeguarding.

 

MYTH NUMBER THREE

 

This will put the NHS under pressure because nurses will leave the NHS to become beauty practitioners.

 

Better regulation will actually reduce pressure on the NHS because it will reduce the number of “botched” procedures that the NHS has to deal with in its emergency departments.  Of course, some doctors and nurses may decide to spend part of their time working on non-surgical cosmetic procedures as they are perfectly entitled to.

 

MYTH NUMBER FOUR

 

The proposed licensing scheme is disproportionate.  After all, nobody has ever died as a result of having lip fillers!

 

This is remarkably complacent.  People have died as a result of substandard cosmetic treatments and there have been countless failed procedures that lead to subsequent infections, complications and significant emotional and psychological anguish.  The proposed licensing scheme is intended to protect the public from poor practice.

 

MYTH NUMBER FIVE

 

It’s not fair.  The new licensing standards will not apply to doctors or nurses.

 

This is simply not true.  Everybody, from beauticians through to doctors, will have to work to the same standards.  They will all need the relevant licenses if they are to practise legally.

 

MYTH NUMBER SIX

 

The new licensing scheme will stop beauty therapists from accessing approved training schemes to meet the relevant standards.

 

No, it will not.  Anybody will be able to access approved training schemes provided they have the necessary preliminary qualifications or experience.  The only exception would be access to training for procedures where the government stipulates that it MUST be carried out by a doctor or other CQC registered health care  practitioner.

 

MYTH NUMBER SEVEN

 

The JCCP is writing the standards for the new licensing scheme.

 

This is not the case.  The JCCP is contributing to the government consultation on the new licensing scheme, but the new standards will be developed and implemented by the government.