The risks of unregulated aesthetic treatments

When it comes to things such as whisky, golf and stunning scenery, Scotland has an enviable reputation as being home to the best in the world. But sadly Scotland has gained a new reputation in recent years, and it’s certainly not one to be proud of. Scotland hit the headlines this month when it was described as the ‘worst country in Europe’ for unqualified beauticians injecting clients with risky cosmetic fillers. Read on as the health experts at YourGP discuss what needs to be done about this alarming trend for unregulated aesthetic treatments.

The lack of legislation

According to the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses, most other European countries have regulations to ensure that only trained health professionals can carry out aesthetic procedures. Worryingly, this is not the case in the UK where there is presently no legislation to prevent unqualified people from administering treatments such as dermal fillers. What’s more, in Scotland there is no law preventing under-18s from receiving these treatments.

When things go wrong

The decision to undergo any sort of aesthetic treatment is not one to be taken lightly. There are risks involved and every patient should be made fully aware of these before proceeding.

An unqualified and unregistered beautician will not have the same level of expertise and accountability as a doctor regulated by the General Medical Council, for example. Choosing an unqualified and unregistered beautician puts the patient at a much higher risk of developing complications such as infections, burns, scarring, facial paralysis, blocked arteries, blindness and stroke.

What can be done about this growing problem?

While we eagerly await a long overdue change in the law regarding the regulation of aesthetic treatments, there are two key things you can do to protect yourself:

• Do your research: Before proceeding with any aesthetic treatment, always do your research. Only ever choose a registered medical professional and check online reviews for experiences and comparisons so you can be confident of a safe experience.
• Ask questions: Book a consultation so you can talk through your expectations, as well as any worries and concerns. Your decision to proceed with any aesthetic treatment must be an informed one.

What makes YourGP the best choice for aesthetics treatments?

1. The aesthetic practitioners at YourGP are all medically trained, experienced, and strictly regulated by the General Medical Council. We are also members of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP). We take an ethical approach to all we do and we would never administer an aesthetic treatment to someone under the age of 18.
2. Our aesthetic practitioners have extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, they know exactly where injections should and shouldn’t be administered, and they know how to minimise any potential risks.
3. Our practitioners also offer ample time to allow for an in-depth discussion of what is involved in each aesthetic treatment, including any potential side-effects, and any aftercare advice.
4. Our results speak for themselves. We specialise in subtle, natural-looking enhancements that can reverse the signs of ageing, create symmetry and balance, and give a much-needed confidence boost to patients.

Book your FREE aesthetic consultation now

If you would like to speak to a medically trained professional about an aesthetics treatment, you can book a free consultation at YourGP. Just email reception@your.gp or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment.