Irish doctors say UK bid to crack down on ‘cosmetic cowboys’ does not go far enough

Cosmetic doctors have called on the Government to implement “more robust” legislation governing the sector than that which has been proposed in the UK.

The UK government on Wednesday announced new rules on the cosmetic industry in England in a bid to crack down on “cosmetic cowboys”.

Under the rules, fillers injected into parts of the body other than the face, including liquid “Brazilian butt lifts”, would be legally defined as cosmetic surgical procedures, meaning only doctors could perform them.

High-risk non-surgical or wellbeing treatments, including deep chemical peels, “vampire facials”, dermal micro-coring and some laser procedures would be restricted to doctors, dentists and some nurses, midwives and pharmacists who have completed an accredited training course that legally authorises them to prescribe medications to patients.

A statement from England’s department of health said new rules would close a “dangerous loophole” that has seen ill-qualified practitioners working out of hotel rooms performing high-risk procedures without regulatory oversight.

However, the Irish College of Aesthetic Medicine said the rules did not go far enough, and stricter legislation was required in the Republic to protect patients.

They took particular issue with the proposals to allow nurses, midwives and pharmacists in England to perform high-risk cosmetic procedures.

“A medical procedure does not become less medical simply because it is performed for cosmetic reasons,” saidICAM president Dr Caitriona Kieran.

“Ireland has an opportunity to establish a clearer and more robust system rather than reproducing regulatory compromises made elsewhere. We urge our Government and the Department of Health to introduce legislation that establishes clear medical procedures for cosmetic injectable procedures. We should not wait for a serious incident to expose weaknesses in the law.”

Dermal filler injections can cause vascular occlusion, or blocked blood vessels, tissue necrosis (cell death) and permanent blindness. Other complications include infections and severe inflammatory reactions. Botox can also cause serious adverse effects, particularly when inappropriate products or techniques are used.

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“When something goes wrong with an injectable treatment, patients need more than someone who knows how to hold a syringe. They need a medical professional who can recognise a serious complication, make an immediate clinical decision and provide appropriate treatment,” Kieran said.

“That can make the difference between a manageable complication or permanent injury. Botox and dermal fillers are increasingly marketed as routine beauty treatments. Yet these procedures involve prescription medicines or substances injected to human tissue. This can result in serious complications. That’s why we argue that the distinction between medical procedures and ordinary beauty treatments must be reflected in legislation.”

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has previously said she is “aware of concerns in relation to the safe administration of dermal fillers”.

The programme for Government 2025 commits to ensuring the administration of dermal fillers is only undertaken by trained healthcare professionals.

“My department is currently conducting research activities with respect to legislative and regulatory options regarding the administration of dermal fillers. This includes a review by the Health Research Board, commenced in 2025, the report of which is expected in the coming months,” she said in response to a parliamentary question in January.

“Once received, the department will consider the most suitable option with respect to administration of dermal fillers. We plan to engage with stakeholders as part of the programme of work to progress this matter.”