Should conferences still show live demonstrations for injectable treatments and, if so, how should these be performed?

NOTE: The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) is currently in the process of updating its premises standards, which determine the clinical standards required for various treatment modalities. More invasive procedures or those with a higher degree of risk associated with the treatment require enhanced environmental and practitioner standards to ensure safe practice, minimise risk and permit the ability to identify and manage side effects and complications. We consider that equal emphasis and attention should be placed on premises standards, as well as the education, training and practice competency standards that we expect from practitioners. The JCCP's view is that the performance of live demonstrations at conferences are unlikely to be able to demonstrate compliance with the premises standards required to assure health protection and patient safety. Therefore, organisers and manufacturers are encouraged to consider the use of pre-recorded treatments as a safer and alternative option. However, the following article outlines factors that should be considered if a live demonstration is to be undertaken.