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AMM 250: Merz Aesthetics: Unveiling the Future of Regenerative Beauty
November 01, 2024
This episode explores the upcoming changes in Scotland’s cosmetic procedures sector, following Minister Jenni Minto’s announcement of a consultation aimed at revamping regulations. Highlighted by The Herald’s Skin Deep series, the current regulatory gaps pose significant risks, particularly with unregulated Botox and filler procedures. Stuart McMillan MSP’s advocacy for uniform regulation, including raising the treatment age to 18, adds to the call for better oversight. With the number of independent clinics on the rise, the episode examines how the Scottish government plans to prioritize patient safety and ensure fair practices in this rapidly growing industry.
Quick Takes
- Public Health Minister Jenni Minto plans to launch a consultation by year’s end to overhaul regulations in Scotland’s cosmetic procedures sector.
- Advocates, such as Stuart McMillan MSP, are pushing for regulations to address gaps allowing unregulated practitioners to operate with little oversight, including raising the minimum age for treatments.
- The consultation aims to provide a framework that promotes fairness and prioritizes patient safety, in light of incidents like a Glasgow woman suffering a serious infection from a botched Brazilian butt lift at an unlicensed pop-up clinic.
Episode Transcript
Today, on November 1st, we’re diving into the evolving landscape of Scotland’s cosmetic procedures. Public Health Minister Jenni Minto has announced plans to launch a consultation by year’s end to overhaul regulations in this booming sector. The goal? To ensure regulations are both robust and proportionate, addressing the current gaps that allow unregulated practitioners to operate with little oversight.
This move is significant in light of findings from The Herald’s Skin Deep series, which highlighted the increasing risks consumers face, particularly from unregulated Botox and filler procedures. Among those advocating for change is Stuart McMillan MSP, who has been vocal about the need for parity in regulation across all providers. His push extends to raising the minimum age for treatments to 18.
The consultation aims to provide a framework that promotes fairness and prioritizes patient safety. This is critical following incidents like the one involving a Glasgow woman suffering a serious infection from a botched Brazilian butt lift at an unlicensed pop-up clinic.
The issue of regulation is highlighted by the stark growth in the number of independent clinics – jumping from 200 to over 500 since 2017. However, the unregulated sector remains a concern, with practitioners often elusive, operating from private homes and largely advertising on social media.
As these discussions unfold, all eyes are on the Scottish government to see how they’ll tackle these pressing challenges in cosmetic treatments. Until next time, stay informed and stay safe.
