Which? Tells Government To Scrap Cosmetic Laser Deregulation, UK

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 12 Jun 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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As the Government's consultation* on the deregulation of cosmetic laser treatments closes, Jenny Driscoll, Campaigns Project Manager, Which? says:

"The Government's current proposal to deregulate cosmetic laser treatments is at best ill-informed, and at worst a cold-hearted attempt to cut costs at the expense of people's health. The Government freely admits that this move could double the number of people harmed and needing NHS treatment, but we are concerned that in a growing market it could be more.

"Better regulation should not be solely based on cutting industry and regulator's costs. Which? believes that consumer protection should be a priority. That is why we are calling on the Government to step back from these deregulation proposals and instead fulfil its commitment to a review of the laser treatments sector."

Notes

Which?'s point of view

Which? has submitted a response to the proposals which states that the Government is basing its decision to deregulate laser treatments on an 'inadequate assessment' on the effects of such a move on both consumers and the NHS.

Which? would like to see the Government fulfilling its previous commitment to review the industry, as recommended by expert groups and the health regulator.

Which? is concerned that the Government is not providing any substitute scheme to monitor the cosmetic laser industry and help people check out clinics.

Which? is asking people to get in touch if they have had cosmetic laser treatment. Please visit www.which.co.uk/cosmetic for more information.

Shedding light on the cosmetic laser treatments industry

Problems that can arise from laser and IPL treatment include burns, skin damage, blistering leading to mild scarring and changes in skin pigmentation**

Laser treatment is one of the most common non-surgical procedures. According to Mintel, the non-surgical procedures market has doubled in the last 2 years to the point where it is approaching half a million procedures annually.***

The Government has stated that 1700-3400**** more people could be harmed each year as a result of the deregulation of cosmetic laser treatment (up to 100 per cent more people than at present).

Previous reports have revealed that 73 per cent of cosmetic surgery complaints to the Healthcare Commission are laser-related*****.

* The consultation is proposing to deregulate Class 3B and 4 lasers and intense light sources, often used for hair reduction and skin treatments.

** Source: Light-based hair removal. Department of Health website.

*** Source: Cosmetic Surgery (Nov 2007, Mintel)

**** Source: Department of Health (March 2008) Private and Voluntary Health Care: Care Standards Act 2000, Appendix A: Deregulation of lasers and lights - possible effect on number of adverse incidents

***** Source: Healthcare Commission (Jan 2005): Provision of Cosmetic Surgery in England: summary report for the Chief Medical Officer

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