Government campaign to tackle ‘botched’ procedures

A campaign to highlight the dangers of cosmetic procedures is soon to be launched by the UK Government. This has been announwced in response to a recent increase in the number of reported complications, and even deaths, for botched cosmetic treatments and surgeries, such as the Brazilian butt lift. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care told the BBC: ‘Anyone considering a cosmetic procedure should take the time to find a reputable, safe and qualified practitioner’ and that they ‘should make sure they understand the impact of any treatment on their physical and mental health’ (Eley and Walker, 2019).

The Government's campaign, scheduled to launch in the coming weeks, will aim to inform and educate the public about the importance of consulting with a professional regarding cosmetic procedures, including botulinum toxin and fillers. The public will be urged to consult a professional aesthetic practitioner before deciding to undergo any form of cosmetic treatment. It is hoped that this will help to tackle the number of ‘botched’ procedures, which can be both physically and mentally scarring for patients, as well as helping to reduce the costs to the NHS of treating patients who have undergone an improper procedure.