Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 114
Introduce two-part consent and 48-hour cooling-off period for non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Recommendation
We recommend that the new licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures includes a commitment to a two-part consent process for anyone considering having a non-surgical cosmetic procedure, including, at a minimum, a full medical and mental health history, as well as a mandatory 48-hour cooling off period between the consent process and undergoing the procedure. We further believe that information provided to patients or clients who are considering any treatments should always be provided with information in an accessible format to ensure they are able to make an informed choice about their proposed treatment.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government stated it will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure consumers can make safe and informed choices about cosmetic procedures, but committed to no specific actions regarding the recommended consent process or cooling-off period.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
114
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
Practitioners carrying out non-surgical cosmetic treatments are not currently required to undertake a mandatory risk assessment of patients before offering a procedure. The government is committed to supporting consumers to make safe and informed choices about any cosmetic procedure they may choose to undergo. All cosmetic procedures have some risks. They can lead to serious complications if they’re not performed correctly and can affect an individual’s mental health if the results are not as expected. GMC has guidance for doctors offering cosmetic procedures . The key points in this guidance that are relevant to this recommendation specify that doctors: must be familiar with GMC ’s separate guidance on decision-making and consent should have a clear discussion with their patients about the outcome, benefits and risks of cosmetic treatments should give patients time to reflect so that they can make an informed decision should take into account their patients’ vulnerabilities and psychological needs should market their services responsibly should not allow any financial or commercial interests in a particular intervention – or organisation providing cosmetic interventions – to adversely affect standards of good patient care We encourage anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to take the time to find a reputable, insured and qualified practitioner, as well as reflect on the possible impact of the procedure on both their physical and mental health. Choosing a practitioner subject to statutory regulation or on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority provides assurance that they hold the requisite knowledge, qualifications and insurance to safely perform the procedures they are offering.
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