The Expert Group report was written at the instigation of the Department of Health (DoH) arising from concerns about the regulation of the rapidly expanding Cosmetic Services sector.

The report was published in January 2005 and DoH responded almost immediately with the Department of Health response to the Expert Report accepting both broad-brush findings and detailed recommendations in principle. DoH response defines a short timetable for resultant actions being April 2006 at the latest.

‘Cosmetic Surgery' has been defined in a very broad and inclusive manner to include ‘interventions having a structural impact on tissue' including:

- Invasive cosmetic surgery (anaesthetic procedures)
- Cosmetic treatments botulinum toxin, aesthetic fillers
- laser/IPL treatments

The Expert Group considered:

- evidence of harm or risk in the sector,
- the quality and standard of care
- training and the levels of qualification
- current regulation and inspecting

It was concluded that there are ‘grounds for concern' (nearly all the consumer and professional bodies who contributed expressed strong concerns), particularly about the off licence use of botulinum toxins and their apparent use outside the Medicines Act. The same concerns relate to the off-licence use of Lipostabil (phosphatidylcholine injections) which has recently been embargoed for import or use by the MHRA.

A number of recommendations were made, all of which were accepted by DoH and which will have profound implications for the shape of regulation within both private and NHS sectors arising from the current review planned for delivery in April 2006.

The Healthcare Commission is conducting a review across all regulation to examine appropriate opportunities for enforcing their regulatory powers without having to use the courts.

What all this would appear to mean is:

Wider regulation of cosmetic services
More effective regulation
More effective enforcement

Further Information.
Expert Group on the Regulation of Cosmetic Surgery – Report to the Chief Medical officer
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Department of Health response to the Expert Report
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