Two-thirds of cosmetic surgery injections not performed by doctors, study shows -TGN

More than two-thirds of people who administer cosmetic surgery injections in the UK are not qualified doctors, a new study suggests.

The study — the first survey of who provides injectable cosmetic services, including Botox and dermal fillers in the country — found that dentists and nurses were among those who administered injections.

After researching 3,000 websites about cosmetic surgery, 1,163 (32%) doctors were identified, of which 41% were specialists and 19% in the GP register.

While other healthcare professionals such as nurses make up 13%, dentists 24% and dental nurses 8%.

The injectable market is expected to reach a value of £11.7 billion by 2026, but is currently largely unregulated as practitioners’ backgrounds are unknown.

Dr. David Zargaran, author of the study published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, said the variety of practitioners’ backgrounds raise broader questions related to “competence and consent.”

“Our research highlights that the majority of practitioners are not physicians and include other healthcare professionals as well as non-healthcare professionals such as estheticians,” he said.

“One of the key challenges facing the government licensing system is ensuring that licensed practitioners have the skills and experience necessary to safely administer their treatment to minimize risks to patients.”

The findings come as the government prepares to update policies around injectables, and a public consultation on the industry will begin next month.

Recommendations are expected to lead to changes in the Medical Act in 2024.

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“Our findings should be a wake-up call for legislators to implement effective regulations and professional standards to protect patients from complications,” said Professor Julie Davies, co-author of the study.

While the risks associated with injections are often mild and temporary, the physical complications can be permanent and disabling.

“There are also serious psychological, emotional and financial consequences for patients if procedures go wrong.”

A second study by the same authors, published earlier this month, found that 69% of respondents had experienced long-term side effects, such as pain, anxiety and headaches.