The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) has issued a stark warning to Government: regulation of the cosmetic procedures sector has failed to keep pace with rapid growth, leaving patients exposed to avoidable harm.

In its report Cosmetic Procedures (HC 869), the Committee calls on ministers to “act quickly” and accelerate long-promised reforms, particularly in the non-surgical cosmetic market, which MPs describe as operating in a “wild west”.

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) welcomes the report and the clarity of the Committee’s position.

 

Immediate Ban on High-Harm Procedures

WEC has recommended that so-called “high harm” procedures, including liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) and liquid breast augmentations, should be restricted immediately to appropriately qualified medical professionals.

Given the serious risks associated with these procedures and the limited number of medical professionals willing to perform them, this would effectively result in a ban.

The Committee states there is no need for further consultation or delay.

The JCCP understands the complexity of implementing regulations for high-risk Red category procedures and the careful consideration that is required. However, we agree that the risks associated with some of the procedures, most notably breast and buttock fillers, are well understood and accepted, as is the view on who should perform them. We support the WEC’s call for urgent implementation in these cases. We also concur with the view that the effect of this action would be to ban these procedures. The rationale for this finding places the activity in the harsh light of risk and commercial interest.

 

Government Urged to Accelerate Licensing

The report is critical of the pace of reform, stating that Government is “not moving quickly enough” in introducing a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Currently, there is no statutory regulation governing who can carry out injectables such as Botox or dermal fillers. MPs warn that this regulatory gap has allowed individuals with little or no formal training to perform potentially dangerous procedures, sometimes in unsafe environments including hotel rooms and temporary rental spaces.

WEC calls for:

• A licensing system for lower-risk (“green” and “amber”) procedures within this Parliament
• Enforceable national training and qualification standards
• Consistent regulation across all UK nations
• Mandatory education in informed consent and psychological screening

The Committee cautions that continued delay risks fostering complacency within a largely self-regulated industry.

 

Lessons from Breast Implant Failures

WEC also urges Government to learn from the PIP breast implant scandal.

Recommendations include:

• Mandatory recording of all breast implant and explant procedures
• Annual publication of adverse outcome data
• A minimum two-week cooling-off period before surgery
• Commissioning clinical and longitudinal research into health impacts
• Ensuring women who wish to have PIP implants removed should be able to have that request met by the NHS

The Committee makes clear that without comprehensive data collection, meaningful informed consent is undermined.

 

Cosmetic Tourism and NHS Pressures

MPs also raise concern about increasing numbers of patients requiring NHS treatment after procedures performed abroad.

WEC calls on Government to review whether the NHS should systematically record and publish complication data arising from cosmetic tourism, enabling a clearer understanding of both patient risk and financial impact.

 

A Clear Message to Ministers

WEC’s message is unambiguous:

• Regulation has not kept pace.
• Patient harm is occurring.
• Government must act.

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners stands ready to support proportionate, enforceable reform that prioritises patient safety and professional standards.

 

Andrew Rankin, JCCP Acting Co-chair and Registrar said

‘we continue to work with government and with regulators to see through to implementation the regulation and licensing of cosmetic procedures. When the Red category is implemented, it will deliver restrictions in law that will affect many of our registrants. We will continue to advise as the details arise from this evolving conversation.’