Concerns Raised Following Growing Reports Of Burns And Scars

The British Medical Laser Association (BMLA) has joined forces with the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) to call for more regulations to be introduced regarding laser tattoo removals.

The bodies have called for new guidelines to be introduced on the ability to purchase and use laser equipment, following a growing number of cases in which people have suffered serious burns and scars as a result of failings in its use.

According to BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat, the use of lasers in cosmetic procedures was deregulated in England in 2010, while no regulation has ever been in use in Scotland. The Department of Health stated no plans are currently in place to introduce regulations on lasers used for tattoo removal.

Speaking to the news provider, Professor Harry Moseley, head of the BMLA, outlined the concerns raised by the use of laser equipment.

He said: “More people are getting tattoos and more people than ever want them removed. Lasers can be very dangerous. There can be blisters, burning and if a laser hits the eye, blindness.”

Reports on the issue of laser tattoo removal are just the latest in a long line of cosmetic issues to come into the media spotlight in recent months.

Last month, BAAPS launched a joint research initiative with the Healing Foundation to boost research into breast implant safety, in the aftermath of the scandal seen in relation to PIP implants.

If you've suffered due to negligent cosmetic surgery you might be entitled to claim compensation. See our Cosmetic Surgery Claims or Laser Treatment Claims page for more information.

Expert Opinion

The concerns raised regarding laser tattoo removal are clearly very worrying and we continue to be contacted in relation to people who have suffered injuries as a result of such procedures. <br/> <br/>"Sadly, it is just the latest in a long line of concerns to be raised in relation to cosmetic procedures and is a further example of why there is a clear need for a full investigation into the need for proper regulation to be in place. <br/> <br/>"A lack of regulation means that patients are simply not protected when having treatments carried out, whether it is the removal of tattoos, when having dermal fillers or even botox. With more and more people seeking legal redress for adverse outcomes in the field of cosmetic procedures it is clear that better regulation needs to be given proper consideration as a priority. <br/> <br/>"The voice of patients needs to be heard on this issue and we would urge the government to give this the attention that it desperately deserves." Mandy Luckman - Partner