Why I Welcome Stormont’s Support for Stricter Regulations on Cosmetic Procedures
If you didn’t know already, I’ve always placed a high value on patient safety and maintaining the highest professional standards in my practice. That’s why I am truly pleased to see the recent discussions at Stormont addressing the urgent need for stronger regulations around non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
This important debate was brought forward by Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmons, following a meeting I had with her earlier this year, where I shared my concerns and urged our government to take action. Specifically, I have been calling for a law that would make it illegal to treat anyone under 18 with cosmetic Botox and dermal fillers. For the past three years, I’ve been advocating for tighter regulations in Northern Ireland, pushing for a framework that not only protects patients but also upholds the professional integrity of the aesthetics industry. The growing conversation around public safety is a much-needed step toward addressing these concerns.
As both a nurse and a mother, I’ve witnessed firsthand the risks associated with non-medical practitioners performing cosmetic treatments without the necessary training. This needs to change, and it needs to change now.
Why Stricter Regulation Is Necessary
This isn’t about bashing non-medical practitioners; rather, it’s about encouraging them to adopt the same high professional standards as those in the medical field. Medical professionals undergo rigorous training in anatomy, physiology, and ethics, and I believe it’s crucial that the aesthetics industry follows suit.
There are several key areas where regulation is urgently needed:
- Training Standards: We must establish clear guidelines for the required training and certification for all practitioners.
- Premises Licensing: It’s critical that procedures are performed in safe, appropriately clean environments to minimise the risk of infection or complications.
- Consistency: A unified system to assess practitioner competency across the industry is essential to maintain public trust and safety.
By ensuring that all aesthetic practitioners adhere to these high standards, we can create a safer environment for all who seek aesthetic treatments.
Protecting the Next Generation
Another deeply concerning trend is the increasing number of young people seeking aesthetic treatments like dermal fillers. It’s alarming to see children as young as 14 accessing these procedures, and I’m sure you’ll agree – this is unacceptable!
Social media and unrealistic beauty standards are putting immense pressure on young people to undergo treatments when their bodies and minds are still developing. Instead of promoting these distorted ideals, we need to encourage young people to love and accept themselves as they are, building their self-esteem without resorting to unnecessary and potentially harmful procedures.
Minors simply cannot provide informed consent for these treatments. They lack the emotional maturity to fully understand the risks involved. Complications like tissue necrosis, scarring, and even blindness are very real threats when these treatments are performed incorrectly or by undertrained individuals.
A Call for Action
The debate at Stormont is a positive first step, but there is much more to be done. We must continue to push for robust legislation that addresses these concerns. We need to enforce clear training standards, regulate who can perform these procedures, and ensure that all premises meet stringent safety requirements.
As the aesthetics industry grows, it’s more important than ever to meet these challenges by maintaining the highest levels of safety, professionalism, and accountability. This will not only protect patients but will also help safeguard the future of the aesthetics industry.
This issue isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about public well-being and setting a strong, ethical example for future generations. I urge the Minister of Health to act swiftly and decisively to implement these much-needed changes. Together, we can ensure that the aesthetics industry remains a trusted and safe place for the public to seek treatments.
If you have any questions about aesthetic treatments or would like to discuss concerns about safety, feel free to reach out.
Tanya Khan, Nurse and Owner of Tanya Khan Aesthetics, Belfast
