MPs have called on the government to immediately ban Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs).
The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) of MPs accused ministers of “not moving fast enough” in introducing a licensing system for non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
They warned that a lack of regulation in the cosmetics industry had led to a “wild west” where patients are having procedures in garden sheds, hotel rooms and public toilets.
The committee welcomed government proposals to make sure BBLs and other high-risk procedures are only performed by specified health workers.
It said this would act as a “de facto ban” on these procedures, which “pose a serious threat to patient safety”.
But in a report the WEC called on the government to go further, saying: “High-harm procedures such as the liquid Brazilian butt lift (BBL), which has resulted in fatalities, should be banned immediately without further consultation.
“A licensing system for lower-risk procedures, in which only those suitably qualified can perform them, should be introduced within this Parliament.”
The MPs added: “The government is not moving quickly enough in introducing such a system.
“At present, individuals without any formal training can carry out potentially harmful interventions, placing the public at risk.”
There is currently no regulation on who can perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as injectables, including fillers or botulinum toxin injections, often referred to as Botox, laser therapy or chemical peels.
A BBL is a non-surgical augmentation which sees dermal fillers injected into the buttocks to increase volume and alter their shape.
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Impact of social media and face-editing tech
The committee also suggested more people are turning to cosmetic procedures because of body image issues due to social media and face-editing technologies.
MPs raised concerns about the impact of influencers “normalising” high-risk procedures.
They also suggested the NHS should record data on cosmetic procedures performed abroad.
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Government ‘taking action to crack down on cosmetic cowboys’
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said in 2024 he would work to improve safety for Britons travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures in the wake of several deaths.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “This government is taking action to crack down on cosmetic cowboys and root out dangerous treatments.
“Our tough new measures will ensure only qualified healthcare professionals will be able to perform the highest-risk procedures.
“For anyone considering a cosmetic procedure, please check the provider’s qualifications and insurance – and avoid treatments that appear suspiciously cheap.
“We will consider the Women and Equalities Committee’s report and respond fully in due course.”
