Cosmetic procedures: one year on

It has been just over a year since we published our in-depth report Cosmetic procedures: ethical issues. The report explores the ethical issues raised by the growing promotion and use of cosmetic procedures, including the responsibilities of practitioners and others in responding to an increase in demand for non-surgical procedures that aim to enhance or ‘normalise’ appearance, such as Botox or dermal fillers.

The report also considers the various contributing factors to this increase in demand, such as rising levels of personal dissatisfaction and anxiety about appearance.

We are now pleased to publish a ‘one year on’ update, rounding up all of the work we have been doing in this area, and key developments since the report was published, particularly in relation to the 27 recommendations made in our report.Alongside our activities, we have noticed an increase in attention to this topic among politicians, regulators, and the media. For example, concerns around body image and advertising have recently received high-profile media attention (see Kate Harvey’s blog); the Government have run consultations on related areas including reforming regulation of healthcare professionals; and the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee are running an inquiry into the impact of social media and screen-use on young people’s health.

We are encouraged by the work of other organisations in continuing to bring attention to these important issues, and we will continue our own work to strengthen the impact of the report’s findings and recommendations. Read cosmetic procedures: one year on.