Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (TMBC) has issued letters to non-medics reminding them of the legal requirements when administering non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
The letters outlined that prescription only medications (POMs), such botulinum toxin, can only be legally prescribed by a healthcare professional following a face-to-face consultation and must be dispensed by a registered pharmacy. TMBC also reminded businesses of the regulation surrounding weight loss injections, the advertising rules on POMs and age restrictions which prohibit the administration of botulinum toxin on under 18s.
This approach forms part of Greater Manchester Local Authorities’ desire to achieve proactive and consistent interventions to deter unsafe non cosmetic practices across Greater Manchester.
A spokesperson from TMBC said, “Tameside are working alongside other Greater Manchester (GM) Authorities due to the significant amount of intelligence of unsafe aesthetic procedures. Other local authorities in GM have served Prohibition Notices on unsafe practices in pop up non cosmetic business activity due to a lack of information on venues and safety procedures. Compliance is being monitored by local and national intelligence from Environmental Health, Trading Standards, media, primary care professionals such as pharmacists where they are concerned with the volumes of lidocaine being prescribed.”
TMBC shared that City of Wolverhampton Council, Dudley Council and Ards and North Downs Council are carrying out similar work.
Following the first reported death from a non-surgical butt lift on September 24, 2024, the letter also instructed that all business cease to undertake or permit Brazilian butt lift treatment and similar treatments such as in the penis, hips, vagina, and breasts of people wanting to augment these areas without surgery. TMBC warned anyone found administering these procedures could face formal action under Health Protection Regulations or Health and Safety law.
Aesthetic practitioner Dr Ahmed El Houssieny who has a clinic in Hale, Greater Manchester commented, “Clearer regulation in non-surgical aesthetics is a positive step forwards. Patient safety must remain the top priority, and with this guidance we can build greater trust, professionalism and accountability across Manchester and the whole country.”