I was invited by Galderma to undertake advanced training in anatomy at the Royal College of Surgeons with a select group. The agenda included anatomy training with a cadaver, something I haven't experienced since dental school and even more fascinating now than it was twenty years ago!My experience highlights the fact that aesthetic procedures are not a purely cosmetic treatment. They are extremely involved medical treatments that necessitate in depth knowledge of facial structures and the risks associated with them.
New proposals to regulate cosmetic procedures have recently been reported in the papers with The Daily Telegraph warning that anti-wrinkle treatments are “a crisis waiting to happen”.
The stories are based on an independent review of regulations governing the UK cosmetic industry. The review was chaired by the NHS medical director, Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, who said anyone having cosmetic procedures should be better protected than at present and people carrying out cosmetic procedures should be trained to a high standard.
The review particularly highlights concerns about non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as:
Dermal fillers (injections of hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars)
Botox (injections of a toxin used to smooth the skin)
Chemical peel (where chemicals are used to remove dead skin)
Under current regulations, all of these procedures can legally be performed by anyone, whatever their level of medical training. Ridiculous!This is in spite of the fact that, if performed incorrectly, these procedures can result in a range of complications such as burning, scarring, infection and even blindness. The review proposes that much tighter and rigorous regulation is required for these types of non-surgical cosmetic procedures to ensure their safety.Laser hair removal.
What did the Keogh review find?
The review found that dermal fillers are a particular cause for concern because anyone can set themselves up as a practitioner, with no requirement for knowledge, training or previous experience. There are insufficient checks in place on the quality of the products used during the procedure, the report says, pointing out that “most dermal fillers have no more controls than a bottle of floor cleaner”.
What recommendations have the review group made?
The report outlines the need for safer products, more highly skilled practitioners and more responsible providers. It calls for:
- EU regulations on medical devices to be extended to cover all cosmetic implants including dermal fillers, and new UK laws to make this happen sooner.
- Dermal fillers to be classified as prescription only
- The Royal College of Surgeons to set standards for cosmetic surgery practice and training and to issue formal certification of competence.
- All those performing cosmetic procedures to be registered.
- Qualifications to be developed for providers of non-surgical procedures.
This is all very worrying and I must stress the importance of knowing the qualifications of any person who may be planning treatment with a potential patient.
Choose carefully when thinking about having a non-surgical cosmetic facial treatment.
You ideally want to enter into a long term relationship with a medical cosmetic practitioner so it is important to ask questions and find someone that you can trust and feel at ease with. Don’t be afraid to ask questions….- What are the qualifications?
- Do you feel comfortable talking to them?
- Do they understand what you are looking to achieve?
- Do you have a range of options?
- How long have they been carrying out the treatment you are interested in?
- Have they fully informed you of what you can expect from treatment, the possible side effects and complications?
- Will they be easy to contact and see if the need should arise?
- Do the premises and the manner of the practitioner feel right?
- Are you talking to the clinician who will actually be performing the treatment?
