Last week, the government announced that it was changing the regulatory framework surrounding plastic surgery following the tragic death of mother of five Alice Webb from Wotton-under-Edge, last year.
Since Alice died I have been campaigning for a change in the law surrounding certain procedures that carry a significant risk. It seemed incredible to me that anyone, without the need for training or regulation, could carry out procedures like the so-called Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), where large quantities of filler are injected to change the shape of the buttocks.
I have been on BBC news and held meetings with the Minister of Health, as well as appearing on Radio 4’s You and Yours to raise awareness of the dangers of some types of cosmetic surgery. I have also held meetings with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who regulate all health and social care services in England.
I felt we owed it to Alice to make sure no one else in the country would be put at risk as she had been, by cowboys with no qualification undertaking dangerous procedures.
The new rules will mean that only qualified healthcare professionals can deliver high-risk procedures such as liquid Brazilian butt lifts. Providers will need to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission and those found to be breaking rules will face sanctions and financial penalties. Clinics offering lower-risk procedures such as Botox and fillers will also need to be licensed by their local authority.
The proposals are subject to a consultation process that will seek views on the types of procedures that should be covered by the new regulations.
All cosmetic surgery carries risks and should only be done by professionals who have received proper training.
Of course, it is still possible to go to countries offering cheap cosmetic procedures. There was another death of an English woman in Turkey last year following a similar procedure. If you or anyone you know is planning to do this, make sure they check the status of the operator.
I also think that, in light of Alice’s tragic death and other cases, we should consider abandoning BBLs altogether. As Alice’s partner Dane said, it is a tragedy that it takes the death of a beloved mother to change the regulation surrounding this procedure.
