Harley Academy Calls for Tighter Industry Regulations in Light of BBL Death

BBC investigation reveals tattooist was posing as a medical doctor in an aesthetic clinic

A BBC investigation has revealed a former tattooist who left a woman "looking like a gargoyle" after giving her botched face fillers had been posing as a doctor at his aesthetics clinic. Harley Academy has consistently called for improved aesthetic regulations to keep patients safe and have called for only medical practitioners in regulated environments to be able to deliver these treatments.

Tristan Mehta, Founder and CEO of Harley Academy stresses, “The UK urgently needs tighter regulatory frameworks to ensure only medically qualified practitioners can administer treatments especially those as complex and potentially dangerous as BBLs. While BBLs are considered surgical, non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers and injectables are also being carried out by individuals who lack even the most basic medical qualifications. As it stands, almost anyone can legally  perform these procedures with minimal or no training - this is simply unacceptable in an industry dealing with people’s health and well-being.”

This investigation comes just four months after tragic loss of life following a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure. Harley Academy are urgently calling on the Government to re-prioritise and support the development of aesthetic industry regulations, being led by the JCCP group. It is clear that the public is at risk and patients have been dying in the months it has taken for the Government to review and implement the recommendations provided by the JCCP on how to improve regulations and make the industry safer.

Tristan continues, "We are calling for swift regulatory action to protect patients and prevent further tragic outcomes. This includes:

• Mandatory Medical Qualifications – All practitioners offering invasive procedures should hold medical qualifications.
• Licensing and Oversight – Clinics and practitioners must be held accountable through a formal licensing system, ensuring regular inspections and adherence to high standards of care.
• Public Awareness – Patients must be made aware of the risks and know how to identify qualified practitioners. More needs to be done to educate the public about the importance of seeking out credible, highly trained professionals.

Following the news in September, Tristan Mehta said: ‘’This tragedy is yet another wake-up call to the entire industry and the government, and we hope this spurs them to act now for better regulations. At Harley Academy, we will continue to drive forward standards of education and patient safety, and we remain committed to shaping a safer future for aesthetics in the UK.”’