In the UK, there are currently no standards, mandatory qualifications or medical experience required to perform non-surgical aesthetic procedures.
Unfortunately, this has contributed to the rise in complications seen that require medical treatment, as well as impacting people’s self-esteem with undesired results.
With dual accredited qualifications, I am both a Registered Nurse (BSc) & Qualified Beauty Therapist (VTCT), currently specialising in the medical field of Dermatology in the NHS. I have a background of 10 years healthcare experience and 4 years of aesthetics experience.
As a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Registrant (since March 2021), it is my duty to keep you safe as I am bound to the code of standards and ethics when treating my clients. My ethos has always been safety first and once aware of the lack of regulations over a decade ago, I knew I had to make a difference. This is what led me to my nursing career following my roles as a practitioner & doctor’s assistant within the aesthetics sector.
“The lack of regulation in the beauty industry in the UK is seriously alarming.”
“The UK is the only developed country in the world that allows non-medics to administer botox and fillers”
Here we are, over ten years later and we still have no clear regulations in place, resulting in a heightened number of patients at risk, especially today, when aesthetic procedures are more prevalent and accessible than ever.
Around the world, places like Canada, the USA and most European countries have set regulations, limiting who can perform aesthetic procedures, only to be offered by medical professionals such as doctors, nurses and dentists, using only FDA-approved products.
The UK government announced they will set a license scheme for the aesthetics industry but we are yet to see what this means for patient safety. You can support the regulation by having your say on the consultation here as it closes on 28th October 2023.
“There are around 200 filler products available in the UK, most of which are not CE or FDA-approved”
You should feel safe and trust your practitioner when seeking aesthetic treatments. This is why in the background, I have been working, learning, gaining valuable experience in the field of Nursing to set the foundations for my career as an Aesthetic Nurse.
My previous role as a Nursing Associate involved me administering prescribed medication, including injections.
Now I have finished my nursing degree, I look forward to accessing further education from the aesthetic industry leaders, Harley Academy, to perform more advanced treatments, including managing complications, to meet your standards for safe non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Although the industry is not regulated, you can find peace of mind that I as a Registered Nurse am regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, PIN: 20H0485E.
“Hyaluronidase is a prescription only medication and therefore can only be prescribed by a registered medical healthcare professional”