Formal qualification recommended to apply dermal fillers

A report presented to the health secretary is recommending a qualification is established for beauty professionals and doctors who wish to provide dermal fillers used to target wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin.

Led by NHS medical director Sir Bruce Keogh the report follows an independent review into the cosmetic surgery industry, launched in January last year.

Complications involved with injectible substances include bruising, swelling and necrosis - the death of skin tissue due to the blockage of blood vessels.

A survey completed by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons found 69 per cent of surgeons had treated patients suffering complications from temporary fillers.

A further 49 per cent had treated patients suffering problems with semi- or permanent fillers, and of these 84 per cent required corrective surgery or were deemed untreatable due to the damage caused.