Women are suffering injuries such as chemical burns, scarring, and infections from cosmetic procedures like Brazilian butt lifts, Botox, and lip fillers due to inadequate regulation, according to a new report from the UK's Commons Science and Technology Committee.
The report states that regulation has not kept pace with the rise in cosmetic treatments, leaving consumers with "no more protection and redress than someone buying a ballpoint pen or a toothbrush." High-risk procedures like Liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) and Liquid Boob Jobs (LBJs) are being performed by individuals lacking proper training, and the committee recommends these be restricted to qualified medical professionals immediately.
MPs also expressed concern that cosmetic products intended for adults are increasingly being used by children, often influenced by social media. Parents may be unaware of the potential harm these products can cause.
The committee found that product safety laws have not adapted to online marketplaces, allowing "illegal and dangerous" products to reach consumers more rapidly than regulators can effectively police. Dame Chi Onwurah, chair of the committee, emphasized the need for immediate action to address these dangerous regulatory gaps and prevent avoidable harm.
The report follows several high-profile deaths linked to risky cosmetic procedures, including that of 33-year-old Alice Webb, who died in September 2024 after a BBL procedure. While the government has initiated a consultation on restricting certain high-risk cosmetic procedures, the committee urges swift action to follow this consultation.
Proposed government measures include restricting high-risk treatments like chemical peels and vampire facials to qualified medical professionals. Separately, the government is committed to a licensing scheme to ensure the safety of lower-risk treatments such as Botox and lip fillers.