State Looks for Stronger Regulation on Cosmetic Procedures ... CH 8 NEWS May 2, 2008

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Travell Eiland, ReporterState Looks for Stronger Regulation on Cosmetic Procedures

CH 8 NEWS Updated: May 2, 2008 04:48 PM PDT

Cosmetic procedures like Botox and laser hair removal are more popular and affordable than ever. Here in Las Vegas , as well as around the country, more and more places are offering the treatments.

You can get a Botox treatment almost anywhere; at the mall, a spa or right in your hair dresser's chair. It's this easy access that is causing concern for lawmakers here in Nevada .

A subcommittee on health care was appointed to take a look at how they can better regulate cosmetic procedures like Botox, light therapy and laser hair removal.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that last year alone, 11.7 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the U.S. , costing Americans more than $13 billion.

But according to local plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Higgins, many of these medical procedures are being performed by people who aren't doctors. Some, he says, aren't even trained.

Higgins claims in one case, a spa allowed their front desk receptionist to inject Botox. Higgins says access to these types of cosmetic treatments is not safe.

"What this legislation is trying to do is take some of the laser technology and facial fillers like Botox and put them in the hands of physician-guided nurses and physician assistants, instead of having anyone do them," said Higgins.

Lawmakers were scheduled to address these issues Friday, vut pushed back the meeting until next month.

Even with the delay, Dr. Higgins says he hopes the laws will change, making it harder for Botox and other cosmetic treatments to be given without a trained person on staff.

Calls were placed to 16 different spa's for comment. Some said they had trained people on staff, but several admitted that they did not. All refused requests for interviews.

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