The Wild West of Aesthetics - How to Avoid the Cowboys.

If you’re considering aesthetic or cosmetic treatments, there’s something incredibly important you need to know:

The aesthetics industry in the UK is UNREGULATED.

ANYONE can complete a short course in aesthetics treatments and begin offering treatments, including invasive, injectable without proper training, medical knowledge, or accountability which as a patient, you would reasonably expect.

This creates real and unnecessary risk and to me is absolutely ridiculous.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Regulation in Aesthetics

Unlike many healthcare professions, there is currently no single governing body regulating all aesthetic practitioners. As a result:

• Training standards vary wildly

• “Certification” does not always equal "competence"

• Some practitioners operate without in-depth anatomical knowledge (and many have no professional medical qualifications)

• There is limited/no oversight or accountability to standards, infection control, safety or insurance

This lack of regulation has opened the door to what are often referred to as cosmetic cowboys. These 'cowboys' market themselves confidently online but lack the expertise required to carry out treatments safely.

And it has led to a number of patients coming to severe harm in their hands.

I'm curious; would you go to a hairdresser who's just done a day of training and allow them to cut or colour your hair? I expect that your answer is probably 'NO'.

So why do people think it's 'ok' to have invasive treatments to their face and body by people who have minimal 'training', low levels of knowledge and certainly no medical background?

It's insane to me....but here's what I THINK is happening.

When Demand Meets Vulnerability

Sadly many people seek treatments during vulnerable moments; after life changes, during periods of low confidence, or when they feel under pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.

And where there is demand and vulnerability, there will always be vultures willing to capitalise on it.

Usually these so-called 'injectors' offer cut-price treatments, limited time deals to lure in their customers.

Often clinics look pretty and high end, perhaps they have a reassuring title like Precision or Pro, they may be in a sought-after location like Harley St; other times your injector may visit you at home (isn't that convenient!).

Tactics include a pressure to 'book now' to secure the best discount and patients even have had high risk procedures carried out without full consent or knowledge about what to expect; simply to save money.

It's a big trap and should always raise suspicion.

When safety is compromised in favour of profit, patients are the ones who suffer.

The Very Real Consequences

Across the aesthetics and cosmetic industry, there have sadly been numerous cases of serious harm, particularly to women, caused by unqualified or poorly and inappropriately/un-trained practitioners.

Some of these stories have been highlighted in the media, including recent investigative reports showing just how damaging unsafe practice can be. ITV News recently highlighted the seriousness of some of these cases and the back-street surgery that is going on (warning this video contains upsetting scenes).

These outcomes are not “rare complications”; they are often entirely preventable with proper training, regulation, and ethical practise.

What Makes My Clinic Different

I believe that any practitioner should always prioritise health, safety, and long-term wellbeing over trends or profit.

At Dr Kirsty Broder Aesthetics:

• I only carry out routine aesthetic and skin procedures

• Every treatment offered is one I am appropriately trained and competent to provide

• I will never perform a procedure simply because it is popular or 'demanded'

• I always give full risks/benefits for each procedure and NEVER treat on the same day, because you need time to consider and give full consent.

As a Dentist I have extensive training and experience with patients; I have in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy, I am regulated by the General Dental Council, I am appropriately insured for the treatments that I carry out and I have a professional duty to act in my patients’ best interests at all times.

The Importance of Regulation and Accountability

I am regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC). This means:

• I am legally required to work within my scope of competence

• I must maintain ongoing Continued Professional Development

• I am held to strict ethical and professional standards

• I am accountable for every clinical decision I make

Most importantly, I am bound by the principle of “do no harm.”

Proudly Risk Averse

If you know me, you’ll know this about me already:

I am incredibly risk averse.

I will not carry out any procedure unless I genuinely believe it will benefit you.

If something carries unnecessary risk, isn’t appropriate for you, or simply doesn’t feel right clinically or the time line is a bit of a push...I will say "no".

And I believe that having the ability to 'say no' is one of the most important responsibilities a practitioner can have.

Why I’m Sharing This

This blog isn’t about scaremongering or criticising others. It’s about raising awareness so you can make informed, empowered choices about your care.

You deserve to understand:

• Who is treating you

• What qualifications they hold

• What regulation they are accountable to

• Whether your safety is truly their priority

In my clinic, your health and wellbeing always come first. Not trends. Not profit. Not pressure.

Want a Safe, Competent, Honest and Patient-Focussed Practitioner to Carry Out Your Treatments?

Choose me at Dr Kirsty Broder Aesthetics.

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