THE Scottish Government is set to tighten rules on cosmetic procedures like Botox, Brazilian butt lifts and dermal fillers after the passing of a new law.
MSPs in the Scottish Parliament passed the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill by 124 votes on Tuesday night, with not a single MSP voting against it.
The new law bans non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers and microneedling for all under-18s and restricts any of these procedures to NHS GP practices, dentists and pharmacies, as well as private hospitals and clinics registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
The procedures can also only be carried out if they are overseen by a qualified professional like a doctor or a nurse.
At the moment, there is no requirement for people to complete training before delivering non-surgical procedures, with the Scottish Government shockingly estimating that there could be up to 1,500 businesses carrying out unregulated procedures in Scotland.
According to Advice Direct Scotland, children as young as 15 had contacted them seeking help following botched Botox treatments and dermal fillers.
The new legislation will see it be deemed an offence to deliver treatments to anyone under 18, or to perform it outwith a permitted premises, carrying a maximum fine of £20,000.
Scottish Tory health spokesman and practising GP Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: “At its core, this legislation is about one fundamental principle, and that is patient safety.
“At the moment, in parts of the non-surgical cosmetic sector, that safety is far too inconsistent.
“To put it bluntly, in some areas, the situation resembles the wild west.”
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are increasingly popular, and when not carried out safely they can cause serious and lasting harm.
“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.
“This legislation is designed to ensure that higher-risk procedures take place in appropriate settings with a healthcare professional present, and that under-18s are properly protected.
“These are meaningful, proportionate changes that put public safety first.
“The bill is designed to be responsive to changes in the industry, and the procedures will be kept under review to ensure the list remains effective and proportionate.
“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who campaigned so passionately on this issue – their determination has helped shape stronger legislation.”
Aesthetic doctor, NHS emergency medicine physician and co-founder of the Stockbridge Clinic, Dr Ben Taylor-Davies, has long campaigned for tighter regulation on cosmetic procedures in Scotland.
Speaking on the passing of the bill, Dr Taylor-Davies said: “This is hugely welcome news for patient and public safety in aesthetic medicine in Scotland. Hopefully the consequences will be far-reaching.
“Scotland has been brave and forward-thinking in being the first country in the UK to approve this crucial regulation, which will safeguard the public from continued harm from unregulated aesthetic practitioners who put lives at risk.
“In recent years we have seen several people tragically lose their lives as a result of this lack of regulation, and many others have suffered devastating, life-altering complications.
“This is a huge step forward and is very welcomed by myself and my colleagues.”
