This autumn, healthcare professionals working in the field of aesthetics addressed a letter to every TD in Ireland, seeking an urgent response to growing safety concerns within the country's Aesthetic Industry. The letter, signed by Dr. Eithne Brenner, President of the Irish Faculty of BCAM, alongside more than thirty concerned doctors, emphasised the need for regulatory changes to ensure the safety of both patients and practitioners.
In their letter, the doctors drew attention to a troubling trend of non-medical individuals, including hairdressers, nail artists, and makeup artists, entering the field of aesthetic medicine after attending short one-day crash courses, often abroad. These individuals often employ misleading titles and questionable social media tactics to target vulnerable members of the public, posing significant risks to patient safety and undermining the integrity of the aesthetic medicine profession.
However, the doctors and dentists working in the field of aesthetics were disappointed by the response received from the Minister of Health, emphasised the existing regulation of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers but lacked comprehensive solutions to address the industry's safety concerns.
While the healthcare professionals acknowledge the Minister's reference to recent regulations related to dermal fillers, they believe that further action is urgently needed to ensure the safety of aesthetic procedures and protect the public.
The central issue at hand is the inconsistency in regulations surrounding aesthetic procedures in Ireland. While botulinum toxin A (commonly known as Botox ) remains a prescription-only medicine, strictly administered by qualified doctors and dentists, dermal fillers, which are equally invasive procedures, lack similar stringent regulations. This disparity allows unlicensed aestheticians and individuals from outside the medical profession to administer dermal fillers without proper oversight, jeopardising public health.
Healthcare professionals working in the field of aesthetics have urged the government to address these key measures:
1. Licensing and Qualification Requirements: Implement clear licensing requirements, mandating practitioners to possess appropriate medical qualifications and training in aesthetic medicine. Only those with recognised certifications and qualifications should be allowed to conduct these procedures. The administration of all dermal fillers should be limited to medical doctors, nurses, and dentists with specialised training, aligning with the regulations for Botulinum toxin.
2. Oversight and Monitoring: Establish a dedicated regulatory body or committee responsible for overseeing and monitoring aesthetic medicine practitioners. This body should conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with established standards and practices. It should also ensure practitioners undergo regular appraisals to stay current with evolving technologies and scientific developments.
3. Public Awareness and Education: Launch awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public about the importance of choosing qualified and registered medical practitioners for aesthetic procedures. Patients should be encouraged to verify the credentials of their chosen practitioner.
4. Penalties and Enforcement: Impose strict penalties on individuals and businesses operating unlawfully or without proper qualifications. These penalties should serve as a deterrent and ensure accountability. Stringent guidelines for the use of social media in the promotion of cosmetic medical procedures should also be enforced.
5. Collaboration with Professional Organisations: Foster collaboration between the government, medical associations, and professional organisations to develop guidelines and best practices for aesthetic procedures. This collaborative effort will help maintain the integrity of the aesthetic medicine profession.
This group of doctors and dentists are committed to working closely with the government and relevant authorities to craft a robust regulatory framework that prioritises patient interests and upholds the integrity of the aesthetic medicine profession. The safety and well-being of the Irish public should remain at the forefront of these discussions.
