Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what legal duties govern the administering of dermal fillers to people under the age of 18 by non-regulated practitioners.

Currently there are no restrictions that limit the administration of dermal fillers on young people under the age of 18 years old.

The Department is exploring options to introduce age restrictions on access to cosmetic procedures, bringing them in line with legislation on tattoos, teeth whitening and the use of sunbeds. From May 2020 all dermal fillers, irrespective of their composition and intended use, will be regulated as medical devices under Annex XVI of the Medical Device Regulations (EU 2017/745). The new Regulations will significantly improve the quality and safety of dermal fillers.

The Government is committed to improving the safety of cosmetic procedures through better training for practitioners, and clear information so that people can make informed decisions about their care. The growth in non-surgical treatments increases the need for consumer protection and we are currently working with stakeholders to strengthen the regulation of cosmetic procedures.

We urge anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure to take the time to find a reputable, insured and appropriately qualified practitioner who is either subject to statutory regulation or on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.