While the rest of the UK could be compared to the ‘wild west’, Scotland is making waves when it comes to regulation in aesthetics.
Regulation has been a major bone of contention for the aesthetics industry for a long time in the UK as, at the moment, anyone could technically pick up a syringe and inject fillers. - which, let’s face it, is terrifying.
Finally, thanks to the likes of the BACN and JCCP, plus numerous medics in the UK, the Government is starting to take notice of the issue. But there’s still a long way to go.
Scotland’s Public Health Minister Joe Patrick, though, has vowed that the Government will introduce regulations in Scotland this year - a huge step in the right direction.
What exactly will these new aesthetics regulations mean for the industry in Scotland?
So, what will this actually mean for the aesthetics industry? Well, the Scottish Government aims to introduce licenses in the next few months that practitioners will be able to apply for, and may be granted, based on their medical qualifications and level of training. This should reduce the chances of botched jobs and keep clients safe from treatment-related issues. Tattoo artists require licenses in the UK, so it's only right that anyone performing injectables should too.
Before being granted a license, a full check will be done, assessing the practitioner's level of experience and medical qualifications, and is something that is set to be well-received by many medics.
So, how come Scotland is so far ahead?
It's amazing to see this talk of regulation happening in Scotland - but what about the rest of the UK? Medical professionals across Britain have been campaigning for this for a long time. How many more lips that look set to burst, occlusions and even blindness will continue to happen before something changes for the better?
Despite the fact that NHS medical director Bruce Keogh highlighted the need for regulation back in 2013, the UK government still hasn't set regulations in stone.
So, well done Scotland - the rest of the UK needs to play catch up to ensure fewer people are affected by aesthetics-related issues, and that clients can be sure they are going to see someone who is medically qualified and has the right level of training to not only do a great job with their treatment, but also take care of them should any issues occur.
Glowday only lists doctors, dentists and nurses, meaning clients are in good hands.