Doctors organisation comments on new law to regulate cosmetic procedures like Botox

Dr John Holden, chief medical officer at MDDUS, commenting on the Scottish Parliament’s decision to pass the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill, said:

“This is an important step towards improving patient safety in a fast-growing area that, until now, has lacked consistent regulation.

“Our own survey of doctors in Scotland showed the scale of the issue.

“More than a third said they’d treated patients suffering injuries from unregulated cosmetic procedures.

“Out of those who had treated patients with complications, 86% said they felt the number of patients seeking medical help has increased every year.

“Some doctors reported treating patients aged under 20 for complications caused by cosmetic procedures, including a small number who had seen patients under 16.

“Age restrictions, proper clinical oversight and ensuring procedures take place in regulated settings will reduce the risk of harm to patients and lessen the pressure on doctors to deal with the consequences of ‘botched’ treatment.

“The focus now must be on effective implementation and enforcement. Done properly, this legislation has the potential to protect patients and reduce the workload on a struggling NHS.”

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