MPs warn cosmetic procedures face less regulation than pens

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 00:45 · Archive

MPs say women are harmed by risky cosmetic procedures including Brazilian butt lifts and fillers that face dangerously light regulation.

A Commons Science and Technology Committee report has warned that women are suffering harm from cosmetic procedures including Brazilian butt lifts, Botox and lip fillers that face dangerously light regulation. Women told MPs they had experienced chemical burns, scarring and infections. High-risk procedures such as Liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts and Liquid Boob Jobs are being carried out by people without proper training, and should be 'restricted to appropriately qualified medical professionals immediately', the report said.

The committee criticised an 'unacceptable' 13-year delay in Government regulation of high-risk fillers. Current regulation is described as a 'confusing mess', leaving consumers with 'no more protection and redress than someone buying a ballpoint pen or a toothbrush'. The report also warned that cosmetic products designed for adults are increasingly being promoted to and used by children, with social media driving demand among young girls facing 'acute' societal pressure to alter their appearance.

Women are experiencing severe and life-threatening complications including sepsis and organ failure after procedures in 'unregulated settings with unqualified practitioners using unknown substances'. The committee called for mandatory national training and qualification standards, particularly for Botox, where no regulation currently governs who can administer it. The Government has promised to consult on new legislation to ensure only qualified healthcare professionals perform high-risk procedures, but the committee chair warned that 'action, not just a consultation, is long overdue'.

How it is being reported

• Women suffering severe harm due to 'dangerous gaps' in cosmetics regulation, MPs warnMPs on the influential Science and Technology Committee criticised an 'unacceptable' 13-year delay in Government regulation of high-risk fillers including liquid BBLsThe Mirror · 4 Nov, 00:17
• Women harmed by risky cosmetic procedures like Brazilian butt lifts, Botox and fillers that face 'less regulation than a ballpoint pen', MPs warnA new report from the Commons Science and Technology Committee found that regulation has 'failed to keep pace' with the explosion in high-street cosmetic treatments.Daily Mail · 4 Nov, 00:01

In this story: Commons Science and Technology Committee · Chi Onwurah · Women and Equalities Committee · United Kingdom

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