Regulation in the Aesthetics Sector: Is It All Just Politics and Confusion?

The letter to the editor discusses the need for improved regulation and training in the aesthetics sector, particularly in the UK, due to concerns about patient safety. It references recommendations from Health Education England (HEE) and upcoming regulatory changes in Scotland, which aim to establish a new 'gold standard' for training in medical aesthetics. The letter highlights the risks associated with inadequate training, such as the use of dermal fillers, and criticizes the prevalence of weekend courses offered by over 80 organizations in the UK that do not provide sufficient education for practitioners. The authors argue for a higher level of training, akin to a level 7 postgraduate qualification, to minimize patient safety risks and call for a recognized training system with a core curriculum. They suggest that insurance companies, which currently allow practitioners from weekend courses to gain insurance, are inadvertently delaying progress towards a safer, more regulated industry. The letter concludes that a structured training pathway based on agreed recommendations is essential for developing highly skilled practitioners in the aesthetic field.