Following a number of high profile cases, where patients have been left disfigured following dermal fillers, a leading specialist has called for tighter government control on unregulated clinics and therapists.

Dr Christine Cowpland, who runs the CMedical Aesthetic Clinic in Bristol, is pressing for the introduction legislation to safeguard men and women undertaking dermal filler injections. Unlike Botox, which needs a medical prescription to be purchased, dermal fillers are classed as 'medical devices', so in theory, anyone can buy and use them.

“At present there is very little regulation governing dermal fillers - anyone can purchase these products, said Dr Cowpland, adding, “There is no legal requirement for practitioners – or even members of the public for that matter – to have any training or qualifications – and the consequences can been devastating.”

In trained hands, dermal fillers can help reduce unwanted shadows and creases on the face, lift the cheekbone area, correct imbalances of the face and give a smoother appearance to the skin, leading to a more youthful and rested appearance.   Dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid [HA] which is a normal component of the skin and adds to its elasticity.

In untrained hands, fillers can be dangerous and cause lasting and even permanent injury – including lumps, infection and compressed blood vessels leading to skin breakdown and even blindness.  

“Although the benefits of anti-ageing treatments can be immense, restoring confidence and promoting a general sense of well-being, patients should be assessed to make sure they are suitable for treatment and warned of the potential side-effects and dangers,” said Dr Cowpland.

In February 2014 Government ministers promised it would become illegal for doctors, nurses and therapists to offer dermal fillers without the necessary medical training and supervision.

Dr Cowpland is calling for the immediate:

• Reclassification of dermal fillers as a prescription medicine
• Establishment of a register of everyone who performs surgical or non-surgical cosmetic interventions
• A clamp down ensuring all practitioners are properly qualified for all the procedures they offer
• The introduction of an advertising code of conduct with mandatory compliance for practitioners
• Compulsory professional indemnity insurance to compensate patients if things go wrong
• Appointment of an ombudsman to oversee all private healthcare, including cosmetic procedures, to represent those who have received poor quality treatment
• A ban on special financial incentives encouraging surgery – such as easy term payments

In the view of the Royal College of Surgeons, only licensed doctors, registered dentists and registered nurses should provide any cosmetic treatments - including laser treatments and injectable cosmetic treatments.