British Cosmetics Doctors Unite Against Laser De-Regulation

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Also Included In: Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals
Article Date: 01 May 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors the organisation established for the advancement, education and practice of cosmetic dermatology in the UK has warned that the government is putting the public at severe risk with the Department of Health's (DOH) proposals to deregulate lasers and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technologies. Members have denounced the proposal by signing a petition asking the prime minister to reject the Department of Health proposals.

Although the government admit there will be problems (in their discussion document they admit there could be £1.8M of claims in one year) the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors thinks this is a conservative estimate as it does not allow for unqualified operators that will be able to set up practise and potentially harm their clients.

Along with a number of different organisations representing clinicians providing laser treatments, the association feels very strongly that the proposals for deregulation should be rejected. There are a number of different reasons for this, including the known dangers of laser burns and eye damage and also the risk of inappropriate treatments provided by untrained operators.

Dr Paul Myers, member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, who is heading the campaign to petition the government, "The BACD has been credited by a government committee for bringing education and direction to cosmetic dermatology in the UK. We are encouraging all our members to lobby the government. Although lasers and IPL can be safe if administered in an appropriate clinical environment by a trained clinician, the public must be aware that these procedures do pose some risks, of burning and scarring when in the wrong hands. So by allowing de regulation to take place, Mr Brown does not think it is worth protecting the public…let them burn! "

For information on the petition visit here.

For examples of the dangers of laser treatments you may wish to click on the link as follows, which shows some of the adverse events that members of the British Association have had to deal with following problems with laser treatments in unqualified hands.

http://www.myspace.com/367946900

The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement, education and practice of cosmetic dermatology in the UK. Members are GMC registered; undergo thorough background screening, training and certification. Information about specific procedures and doctors contact details can be found on http://www.cosmeticdoctors.co.uk.

British Association of Cosmetic Doctors