BC05 Exploring perspectives on regulatory standards and ethical challenges in the nonsurgical facial aesthetics industry: a cross-sectional consensus survey

The aesthetic injectables and nonsurgical facial aesthetics industry, marked by its rapid growth, faces critical challenges concerning regulatory standards and ethical conduct. This manuscript contributes to the discourse on these issues through perspectives from professionals across disciplines captured in a survey. This study explores the multifaceted concerns related to the lack of stringent regulations and their impact on patient safety, practitioner credibility, and field integrity, and therefore aims to foster informed discussions, encourage responsible practices, and advocate for a robust framework ensuring the wellbeing of both practitioners and patients. Consensus surveys were distributed at a conference in 2023 attended by registered healthcare professionals (RHPs); students, including medical, dental and nursing students; and other allied healthcare professionals working in the aesthetics industry. The surveys were designed using Google Forms and featured multiple-choice questions assessing regulatory standards and professional ethics in nonsurgical facial aesthetics. Responses were anonymized, aggregated and analysed using Microsoft Excel. Consent was obtained from participants and no patients were involved. This study involved 82 participants encompassing various roles within the healthcare industry. Of all the participants, 67% were employed, of whom 67% were working within the NHS. A high percentage (99%) of respondents agreed on the need for a minimum educational standard for RHPs practising injectable aesthetics. Opinions were divided on healthcare practitioners overseeing and prescribing for nonhealthcare practitioners in aesthetics, with 68% of participants disagreeing and 30% agreeing. There was strong support (88%) for specialist training in cosmetic injectables to involve a faculty of trainers with expertise across different areas, and almost all respondents (96%) believed that those teaching cosmetic injectables should possess high-level certified expertise. In the realm of social media, a significant majority (90%) deemed it acceptable for RHPs to use these platforms for advertising. A substantial majority (90%) agreed that it is acceptable for RHPs to use social media to advertise their nonsurgical facial aesthetics qualifications, private practice or skills. In conclusion, there is a clear consensus on the importance of setting minimum educational standards for healthcare professionals in injectable aesthetics. The majority of respondents believe in stringent regulations for those overseeing and assisting nonhealthcare practitioners in aesthetics. Interestingly, social media is seen as an acceptable platform for healthcare practitioners to showcase their qualifications and skills in nonsurgical facial aesthetics. Strong support exists for the protection of professional titles, emphasizing the importance of qualifications and training in the field of cosmetic and aesthetic medicine.