Botox crackdown on the way

Beauticians in Scotland may soon need a licence to carry out procedures such as dermal fillers or lip enhancements.

The Scottish Government's launching a consultation on plans to legislate non-surgical services.

It will run until the end of April.

Niamh Freeburn had lip fillers which turned nasty from a beautician in 2018 and she's urging others to do their research before they go ahead with a procedure.

She said: "I was young and didn’t know any better when I was getting my lips done.

“You need to do loads of research before you get these things done.

“Within a few weeks I’d be waking up with my lips stuck to my pillow.

“I couldn’t open my mouth or eat properly for days.

“I ended up having to go to the doctor was told if I’d left it any longer I would have got sepsis and ended up in hospital.

“I got antibiotics for the infection and every time I bit down on my lip I could feel lumps in them.

“Just make sure whoever is doing it is good at what they do and that you’ve seen their qualifications and are based in an actual salon."

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick insists the government cares about patient safety.

He said: "Currently we have voluntary procedures in place and we feel there should be a statutory basis to that so people have confidence in any procedures taking place.

"Right now I’d recommend that anyone thinking about cosmetic surgery should head to the health improvement Scotland website to have a look at registered practitioners.

"The challenge is if something goes wrong there could be significant consequences so that’s why its important we make sure that those practicing are competent and procedures are taking place in a sage environment.

"On the back of this we’re proposing to bring forward regulations for the licensing of individuals who wish to practice these procedures. "

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