It may be assumed that cosmetic and body modification procedures, and particularly those which involve intentional perforation or potential damage to the skin, would be appropriately regulated to protect the health of the public, especially from blood borne infections and also from physical harm. The expectation would be that all such procedures should be subject to regulatory controls which include the following: who may lawfully administer the procedure; what training that person should have received; conditions in which the procedure should be carried out; safeguards and restrictions that need to be in place; and information and advice that must be given to the person receiving the treatment.
In England (with the exception of London and some metropolitan areas) so called non-surgical cosmetic treatments are ‘registered’ rather than being ‘licenced’. Most local authorities involved in the registration of these treatments tend to follow a set of bylaws found in Part 8 of the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. These cover hygiene, structure, safety and waste issues. They do not cover training or competence of the practitioners performing these treatments, or any consent or aftercare requirements.
This presentation will explain the difficulties involved in safeguarding the public and the need for more effective controls and greater public awareness of the risks to health.

Ian Gray MBE, Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner, Co-Director Environmental Health Collaborating Centre