The law on aesthetic practices in Belgium
After years of lobbying with the Belgian Ministry of Health, we finally have a clear scientific advisory report that provides recommendations on the execution of aesthetic procedures and techniques for beauticians and private users. We as doctors follow a clear training path to be allowed to perform medical procedures. After our residency, we still undergo continuous training and state-of-the-art courses in order to stay up to date on the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques and procedures (including their potential risk and complications).
Continuous training
As a plastic surgeon, we strive for continuous training and state-of-the-art courses to provide the best care for our patients.
This is in contrast with the training program of some other professions, such as beauticians, which unfortunately often lack the proper training and knowledge to perform specific procedures in a safe way. This may expose both the patient and the executer to potential harmful complications.
The current law sets clear restrictions on the type of activity and aesthetic procedure that are allowed to be performed by doctors, nurses, and beauticians. In case of specific restrictions in terms of activities by beauticians, it is clear that these are motivated through a concern for quality and safety, both for the public and for the beauticians themselves. Each specialty will have to respect both the legal provisions and the criteria of care for possible liability.
With these new recommendations, the Ministry of Health wishes to inform professionals about the risks associated with certain aesthetic activities, techniques or devices. At the same time, patients must be informed about the requirements and safety measures of existing aesthetic techniques and who may perform them within the existing legal framework.
Be informed
Make sure you visit a qualified professional for any kind of aesthetic procedure.
I summarise the most important take-home messages that are important for every patient to know:
Injectables, such as Botulinum Toxin and dermal fillers, can only be injected by medical doctors.
Treatments with thread lifts can only be performed by medical doctors.
Skin rejuvenating treatments with Plasmalift, Dermaroller, and BB glow can only be performed by medical doctors.
Superficial laser treatments and peelings can be performed by qualified professionals who followed the necessary training courses, including beauticians and nurses, but deeper laser treatments and peelings can only be performed by medical doctors.
Radio-frequency treatments and cryolipolysis can be performed by medical doctors or by qualified nurses under medical supervision.
Permanent make-up and medical tattooing can be performed by qualified professionals who followed the necessary training courses, including beauticians and nurses.
What is important for you as a patient to know, is that invasive aesthetic treatments, such as Botulinum Toxin, dermal fillers, skin boosters, thread lifts, and micro-needling treatments can only be performed by qualified medical doctors. There are a lot of unqualified professionals who offer and perform those treatments as well, but this is prohibited by law. We as plastic surgeons possess both the anatomical and scientific knowledge, as well as the technical skills, to perform these kinds of treatments in an effective and safe way, to ensure the best possible outcome.
The complete document can be found here.