In a social media centric world, the pressure of maintaining a perfect appearance is greater than ever. In response, the popularity of cosmetic procedures has surged, becoming more socially acceptable, and indirectly encouraged. This trend has heavily contributed to the boom in medical tourism, which sees both men and women travelling overseas for cosmetic treatments. Leveraging the demand, centers offering surgical and non-surgical procedures have appeared in cities across the Middle East, such as Amman, Beirut and Dubai.

The speed of change has raised some red flags for health ministries, who have been taking a closer look at the cosmetic industry across the region. One example is the 2014 Beauty Salons Cosmetic Procedures Therapies Guidelines issued by the Dubai Health Authority in the United Arab Emirates.  In Jordan, the authorities have particularly focused on ensuring licensed healthcare professionals, rather than skin care technicians, exclusively provide invasive and non-invasive treatments. It is well known that renowned regional experts in cosmetic treatments charge a premium for such licensed procedures. Consequently, there has been an increase in demand for cheaper alternatives, causing consumers often to turn to unregulated and unlicensed centres.

Further complicating these issues, skin care centres in the region have begun to offer a broad range of treatments, from injecting cortisone, fillers, and Botox to chemical and electrical peals, even if neither the centre nor the technician has an official licence to perform such procedures. Setting defined limitations to the performance of these procedures is vital, now more than ever, as an increasing number of self-acclaimed cosmetic therapists are putting their business opportunities ahead of the quality of their products and even the safety of their patients.

In response to these concerns, the last few months has seen a raft of new regulations in Jordan to standardise the licensing of clinics and the technicians providing treatments, including, hair removal, LED light therapy, cortisone injections, fillers, and Botox.

These new regulations remain to be put into full effect in Jordan, however. While the aim is ultimately to restrict and prosecute unlicensed practices, men and women undergoing these treatments should be aware of the legislation surrounding cosmetic procedures, as well as the health risks involved. Further details on cosmetic products, inspection, and treatment regulations can often be found on the website of a country’s relevant health authority.