Industry associations unite to influence Keogh Review

Industry bodies involved in injectables have united in their call to government to consider the views of the sector as it prepares to publish its Keogh Review recommendations.

Habia has joined forces with the Association of Aesthetics, Injectables and Cosmetic Laser (AAIC) and the Cosmetic, Dermal, Aesthetic, Botulinum and Fillers Inspectorate (cdABFI) to deliver a united industry stance on the issues raised in the review. 

The review, which is led by NHS medical director Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, is considering the current standards for safety and quality of more invasive cosmetic procedures, such as Botox or dermal fillers, and is preparing to make its final recommendations in March.

Chris Wade, managing director at the AAIC, said: “We have presented to the Keogh Review and outlined our proposal for a training and recognition model, which would enhance the delivery of high quality, professional non-surgical treatments as well as public confidence in the sector. We can see no reason why adequately trained and responsible sector professionals cannot deliver treatments they have been delivering safely for years.” 

Though therapists have been routinely delivering such treatments in salons and spas, there has recently been call for such invasive procedures to be delivered only by medical professionals.

However, Wade said that the AAIC could see no reason why adequately trained sector professionals shouldn't continue to deliver such treatments. 

The managing director at cdBAFI, Una Riley, echoed his sentiments, saying that she fully understood public concerns, which was why cdBAFI was keen to introduce best practice for all.

“We want the consumer to be able to make an informed choice and be confident of receiving high-quality treatment from qualified professionals,” she said.

Both AAIC and cdABFI support the idea of an industry body regulating the training and qualification of therapists delivering injectable treatments.  

The government had called for the industry bodies to present a united front, in order to fully consider the sector’s views in relation to the Keogh Review. Habia’s managing director Rob Young said: “It’s time for a more collaborative and supportive stance within our sector and I am encouraged that there are so many organisations that are willing and able to work together for the good of the sector.”

John French, chief executive at the Federation of Holistic Therapists, said that his organisation did not recognise beauty therapists carrying out injectable treatments due to lack of regulated qualification but would support a new regulation.

“FHT supports the need for regulation, but this should be provided by an independent organisation. Indeed we welcome and lobby for regulation for the whole of the beauty therapy sector.”

The results of the Keogh review are due to be published in March.