Holyrood pass Botox and Brazilian Butt lift law to regulate 'wild west' industry

MSPs have voted to pass a Bill to regulate beauty procedures such as Botox and fillers after the industry was described as the “wild west”.

The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill will ensure non-surgical beauty procedures are performed by registered medical professionals in “appropriate settings”.

It also makes it an offence for such a procedure to be given to someone under the age of 18.

Some 124 MSPs voted to back the Bill, with none voting against and two abstentions.

According to Advice Direct Scotland, 430 people – some as young as 15 – had contacted them about botched procedures.

Speaking in Holyrood on Tuesday, Scottish Tory health spokesman and practising GP Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: “At its core, this legislation is about one fundamental principle, and that is patient safety.

“At the moment, in parts of the non-surgical cosmetic sector, that safety is far too inconsistent.

“To put it bluntly, in some areas, the situation resembles the wild west.”

While there are some good businesses, there are others who “botch” procedures, Dr Gulhane added.

“This would be unacceptable in absolutely any other area of healthcare yet, for far too long, that is effectively what we have allowed to develop here.”

Public health minister Jenni Minto, speaking on behalf of the Government on Tuesday, said: “Many people have had positive experiences with responsible and caring practitioners.

“But, as the sector has grown, so have stories of people who have been harmed or injured.”

The Bill had been criticised over concerns it could result in businesses with qualified practitioners being shuttered because they are not considered to be a healthcare professional, with independent MSP Ash Regan bringing amendments at stage three.

Responding to concerns, the minister said: “I did not urge members to resist those amendments lightly, because these amendments weakened aspects of the Bill that are necessary to achieve our public safety aims.”

Minto later added: “Nevertheless, I expect the Scottish Government to continue working closely with businesses to mitigate the impact wherever possible.”