The British College of Aesthetic Medicine’s (BCAM) Annual Clinical Review has revealed a rising number of complications being dealt with by medical aesthetic practitioners in the UK.
The associations audit of 357 members showed that in 2023, the total number of complications treated rose to 3,523 from 3,323 in 2022. A total of 82% of all members surveyed said they had dealt with a complication caused by another practitioner in the past year.
Practitioners revealed 69% of these complications had been caused by non-qualified professionals like beauticians, therapists and podiatrists, up from 60% last year.
Dermal filler was the most frequent cause of complications (44%), followed by botulinum toxin (30%), threads (12%) and lasers/energy-based devices (9%).
BCAM president Dr Catherine Fairris said, “We have found that dermal fillers continue to be the treatment with the largest number of complications from non-medical practitioners, which confirms how dangerous dermal fillers can be in the wrong hands. Notably, members report that these complications are often more severe and require specialised treatments. We strongly welcome the public consultation for a licensing scheme of aesthetic treatments, which will hopefully reduce the rate of complications and put patient safety first in the coming years.”
