Lip fillers must be made on prescription only like botox to stop exploitation, MPs warn

Calls have been made to reduce the "conveyor belt" approach to non-surgical cosmetic procedures by proposing a licensing regime for providers

Lip fillers should be prescription-only, like botox, to protect vulnerable people from exploitation, MPs have warned (

Image: Getty Images)

Lip fillers should be prescription-only, like botox, to protect vulnerable people from exploitation, MPs warn today.

The Commons Health Select Committee has called for action to reduce the "treadmill" approach to non-surgical cosmetic procedures - such as Botox injections or chemical peels - by proposing a licensing regime for providers.

This should also include minimum training standards for those providing these services and a 'cooling off' period between consent and provision of the procedure, MEPs said.

Fillers are a non-surgical treatment that fills in fine lines and wrinkles.

In a warning issued today after an investigation, the Chairman of the Commons Health Select Committee, Jeremy Hunt, said: 'The Government must act urgently to end the situation in which anyone who can perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures, regardless of training or qualifications.

Provider licensing should be proposed, according to the Commons Health Select Committee (

Picture:

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"We heard about distressing experiences – a treadmill approach with procedures done with no questions asked, procedures gone wrong, using dirty premises.

"Throughout our investigation, it was clear that certain groups are particularly vulnerable to exploitation in this growing market that is no longer regulated.

"We need a timeline now for a licensing regime with patient safety at its center to reduce these risks."