At the opening session in the APPG on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing’s inquiry into aesthetics treatments, MPs heard evidence on the complex nature of the botox and filler industry and the lack of robust and consistent standards for the undertaking of such treatments.

The MPs questioned the witnesses on why people consider aesthetics treatments, the merits of a register of practitioners, age limits for fillers, and the need for psychological assessments of clients and for this to be included in practitioner training. 

Having suffered from a botched filler injected by a practitioner without the necessary training which resulted in her needing critical medical care, Rachel Knappier said:

There is “nowhere for these people to turn to” when things go wrong.

“Cheap adverts on social platforms that are encouraging young impressionable people to seek an instant change to their appearance… to seek what is portrayed as the image of perfection”.

Dawn Knight, campaigner for better safety regulation, said:

The lack of “robust management of the aesthetics industry has led to extremes in both skills and ethical practices… allowing monster to materialise”.

All treatments must be carried out by an “appropriately qualified, safe and ethical practitioner” and concluded: “safe practitioners, safe products, safe premises, safe people”.

Co-Chairs of the APPG Carolyn Harris MP and Judith Cummins MP, said:

“We are seriously concerned by the complete lack of robust, consistent and enforceable standards for undertaking treatments such as botox and fillers. To make matters worse, there is no accountability or consequence for malpractice.

“While the aesthetics industry continues to grow at a rapid pace, the absence of standards leaves practitioners with no support and customers with no guarantee of safety.

“We look forward to hearing further evidence in our inquiry on what action must be taken to address these issues. The Government has a duty to take action which is long over-due.”

The Group heard from Rachel Knappier and Dawn Knight about their experience of botched procedures; aesthetics doctor Dr Michael Aicken, and beauty therapists and trainers Helen McGuiness and Chris Wade. 

Co-chaired by Carolyn Harris MP and Judith Cummins MP, the APPG launched an inquiry into non-surgical cosmetic procedures to investigate how standards for the undertaking and promotion of such treatments must be improved to support the industry and protect public safety. Following its inquiry, the MPs will present a report to Government with recommendations for how to ensure consistent, robust and professional standards are in place.