A RISE in beauty treatment providers in North Somerset – including one handed 22 health and safety notices – has prompted a warning to those on the lookout for Botox, dermal fillers and more.

North Somerset Council has urged people to be cautious when considering non-surgical cosmetic procedures, following a rise in complaints about unsafe practices.

The council said treatments such as dermal fillers and Botox are growing rapidly – but there is no legal requirement in the UK for practitioners to meet minimum standards for training or infection control.

Now, NSC says it is “taking proactive steps to improve safety in the local aesthetics sector”, with the Food and Commercial Safety Team now including inspections of premises offering cosmetic treatments into their workplan, targeting one a month, as well as responding to all complaints.

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They cited a recent case which saw the council issue 22 health and safety prohibition notices to a single practitioner, stopping them from performing certain procedures until they can prove they are doing so safely.

Councillor James Clayton, cabinet member for safety in the community, said: “Invasive treatments such as injections and thread lifts can pose serious health risks if not carried out safely. We’ve seen first-hand the risks involved when cosmetic procedures are carried out without the right training or hygiene standards.

“While many practitioners are responsible and well-trained, the current lack of regulation is putting people at risk. If you’re thinking about having any kind of cosmetic procedure, it’s important to take sensible precautions and ask the right questions first.”

For anyone considering an aesthetics procedure, NSC has produced a checklist of questions, available online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/cosmetic.

“Until new UK-wide licensing rules are introduced, we will continue to use existing health and safety laws to intervene and take action where there is an immediate risk to the health of North Somerset’s communities,” Cllr Clayton added.

Anyone worried about the safety or hygiene of a local clinic, salon or individual offering cosmetic procedures should report their concerns to foodandsafety@n-somerset.gov.uk or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

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