New enforcement guidance for body augmentation procedures launched

New enforcement guidance for buttock augmentation and other body contouring procedures has been launched by the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners, with support from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and the British Beauty Council.

The guidance has been developed in response to reports of significant public harm being caused by the inappropriate administration of buttock augmentation procedures by unqualified practitioners.

Commonly referred to as the ‘Brazilian Bum Lift’ or ‘BBL’, these procedures involve the injection of a product, such as a dermal filler or autologous fat, to augment the buttocks.

Requests for assistance in relation to these procedures have been received from local authority environmental health professionals with responsibility for enforcement.

Concern has also been raised in relation to the injection of products into the breasts and the genitals, and this activity is also captured in the guidance.

The guidance is based on a recognition that the procedures it covers should be designated as surgical in nature and is supported by the Royal College of Surgeons.

Mark Elliott, President of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, said:

“There has been a big increase in the prevalence of cosmetic procedures in recent years, fuelled by social media, the proliferation of high street beauty outlets and a dramatic increase in the range of procedures available.

This new guidance on body augmentation procedures will be invaluable to environmental health professionals in dealing with procedures which pose a risk of serious personal injury when carried out by unsuitably trained practitioners.

We particularly welcome the fact that the guidance is supported by a wide range of organisations including the Royal College of Surgeons.”