Nonsurgical Cosmetic Practice and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in interest in facial cosmetic procedures, known as the 'Zoom boom', with a 57% rise in interest as people become more conscious of their onscreen appearance. This surge in demand for nonsurgical cosmetic interventions, such as botulinum toxin and dermal filler injections, which already made up 75% of the pre-pandemic cosmetic market share, highlights the need for healthcare professionals to better understand these procedures due to the potential for complications. The sector is currently fragmented with a range of practitioners from highly qualified specialists to unqualified 'DIY injectors'. Efforts to regulate the industry have been made, with the establishment of the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority (CPSA) and the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), which aim to raise standards and promote patient safety through agreed professional standards, adverse-event reporting, and practitioner registration. The authors emphasize the importance of professional behavior, transparency, and adherence to guidelines, especially during the pandemic when the risk of coronavirus transmission is a concern.