UK Government Advocates for Stricter Cosmetic Procedure Licensing in Wake of Tragic Incidents
The UK government has recently unveiled plans to enforce mandatory licensing of cosmetic practitioners. This decision comes in the wake of several tragic incidents, most notably the untimely death of 33-year-old mother, Alice Webb. Webb tragically lost her life following a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift (BBL) procedure in September 2024.
The proposed regulations aim to enforce mandatory licensing for high-risk aesthetic procedures. Treatments such as liquid BBLs could potentially be restricted to healthcare professionals who are regulated by the Care Quality Commission. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has been a strong advocate for “Alice’s Law”—a proposed ban on unqualified practitioners performing high-risk procedures.
“These tragedies are preventable,” stated Dr. Mary O’Brien, BAAPS President. “Procedures like the liquid BBL carry significant risks, including infection, sepsis, and even death.”
The new framework will also bring updates to the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations. The aim is to align product quality standards with the licensing scheme, ensuring both practitioners and products adhere to stringent safety criteria.
Source: Aesthetics Today