DoH calls for cosmetic surgery self-regulation

The Department of Health (DoH) has called for the cosmetic surgery industry to take efforts to improve safety standards in its use of dermal fillers and botulinum toxin, with the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS) agreeing to set up a self-regulation scheme.

With the organisation including a number of major cosmetic surgery providers as its members, the IHAS has announced that it will work with patient and consumer groups as it sets up this self-regulatory system.

The IHAS has stated that it would prefer the implementation of statutory regulation in this area, but has assured the government that it will take the initiative to improve ethical practice and patient safety in the cosmetic surgery industry.

Lord Hunt, health minister, said: “Cosmetic surgery providers have shown real commitment to improving levels of quality and safety in this area and so I have decided to ask the industry to take the lead in further improving standards.”

He added that the government would not rule out the implementation of statutory regulation for the industry, were such a path to become required in the future, though he was confident in the efficacy of self regulation for the present.

The IHAS aims to deliver practical knowledge and guidance to its members in the health care industry while driving policy advancement through consultation and enabling effective communication with the government and other external groups.