One of the most respected and well known cosmetic injury solicitors in the UK – Greg Almond from Aticus Law which has offices in Manchester, Cheshire and London – is calling for tighter regulation to accompany an upcoming government awareness campaign of the risks associated with cosmetic procedures.
Mr Almond, who is well known for his legal work campaigning against the use of PPD in hair dye, is currently advising clients across the UK who have experienced severe physical and emotional injuries following cosmetic treatments as varied as tummy tucks, lip filler and botox. He says he is in no doubt that tighter regulation needs to be the way forward.
He says: “It seems like the whole industry is unregulated with some cosmetic practitioners performing treatments that they don’t even have the insurance for. While any government campaign is to be welcomed it must be backed up by regulation. This is especially important given the increase in number and complexity of cosmetic procedures being performed.”
A petition is set to launch on the Government website and Greg is seeking support and endorsement for the campaign across the full spectrum of the beauty industry, celebrities and the general public in order to enhance the campaign.
He adds that many people think they do not have legal recourse when things go wrong, when actually compensation can cover not only treatment costs but also any loss of earnings suffered. If you think a cosmetic procedure has gone wrong, Aticus Law offers the following advice:
- Get in touch as soon as you can with the person who performed the treatment and tell them about your symptoms
- Keep a diary of symptoms with photos (a video diary can be useful) and record all contact with the original practitioner; including when they contact you
- Consider if you have confidence in the person who is going to perform any suggested corrective treatment before going ahead
- Legal advice should be sought for compensation which can include treatment costs and any loss of earnings suffered.
