Government responds to Keogh review of cosmetic interventions

A review committee, chaired by Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, was asked to review regulation in the cosmetic interventions sector following the PIP (breast) implant scandal in 2011, which exposed lapses in product quality, after care and record keeping. 

As a result, the Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions was published in April 2013, which outlined a number of recommendations for both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures*. On 13 February, 2014, the Government published a paper in response to Keogh’s review, stating ‘We agree with the overwhelming majority of the Review’s findings and recommendations’. 

The Government’s response paper outlines a range of measures already underway, and states that: ‘we are now working with healthcare regulators and patient safety organisations to improve the quality of training and care provided by the industry to practitioners and patients. This is the beginning of a process in which we shall ensure proportionate and appropriate improvements in the industry to better protect the consumers and patients of tomorrow’. 

In terms of non-surgical interventions, including those which are undertaken by unregulated non-healthcare practitioners, the paper states that ‘the Department of Health will look to strengthen standards through training and qualifications and how far supervision from regulated professionals can support self-regulation of the sector’. 

On behalf of its members, the FHT – along with regulators, Royal Colleges and other stakeholders – will be taking part in consultations led by Health Education England, as it conducts a review of the training and skills needed for non-surgical cosmetic procedures and the qualifications required. 

The FHT will update members as and when further information is available. 

Read the Government Response to the Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions (February, 2013) » 

Read Keogh’s Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions (April 2013) »

*Non-surgical interventions looked at as part of Keogh’s review include dermal fillers, botulinum toxin (Botox) and laser hair removal – which are said to account for nine out of 10 cosmetic interventions and worth 75 per cent of the market in total.

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