The advantages and challenges associated with the Government's legislation for the aesthetics sector in England

For many years we have heard the sector referred to as the wild west of medicine and many of us would regard this not to be too far from the truth. I have complex feelings about these changes most of them positive, but I also have some real concerns. We have been handed a ‘golden egg’ of opportunity, but I remain cautiously fearful that we may drop it, as we did when Health Education England (2015) released its recommendations for non-surgical aesthetic practice following the publication of the Keogh report in 2013.

Historically the aesthetic sector has grown from a handful of early implementers such as nurses, doctors and dentists who saw an opportunity to develop and grow a new and exciting medical specialism whilst building a business that would be financially and commercially rewarding. These early implementers were trail blazers who hailed from diverse and unique backgrounds, bringing with them significant amounts of clinical and educational knowledge. They also brought high levels of innovation and intelligence which helped to shape and grow the specialism. However, what the early implementers did not get right, me included, was to develop an ethos of collaboration with colleagues which may ultimately have provided protection for members of the public from the problems that many who have sought out aesthetic treatments are now facing, in the form of sub-standard treatments carried out in unsuitable settings.