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Lagos charges practitioners in aesthetics medicine, cosmetology to uphold highest standard

R-L: Dr. Adeyemi, Dr. Idowu, Prof. Olaitan and others at the workshop in Lagos.

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has charged practitioners in aesthetics medicine and cosmetology to uphold the highest standard for the safety of their clients.

Executive Secretary, HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu gave this charge on Tuesday at a one day training programme with the theme: “Advancing Professionalism in Aesthetic Medicine,” held in Ikeja, Lagos.

The workshop was put together by HEFAMAA, in partnership with Premier Health Systems Consult.

Speaking at the event, Idowu emhasised that the need for regulation in aesthetics medicine and cosmetology could not be overstated, saying that in recent times, the agency had witnessed a rise in cases of complications resulting from unregulated practices.

“These incidents not only harm individuals but also tarnish the reputation of the entire system. As practitioners, it is our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of care and ensure that our clients receive safe and effective treatments,” she said.

Idowu stated that the beauty and wellness industry had seen tremendous growth over the past decade, stressing that with this growth comes a corresponding responsibility to maintain the highest standards of practice.

“Whether you are an aesthetician, a cosmetologist, or any other professional within this industry, your work directly impacts the health and well-being of your clients. This is why adherence to safety protocols and regulatory guidelines is not just important but absolutely essential,” she said.

According to her, the workshop was designed to provide practitioners with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain these standards, adding that one of the primary goals of HEFAMAA is to promote a culture of continuous improvement and total compliance to set standards, safety protocols, and most importantly understanding the legal implications, licensing and permit requirements, and responsibilities of aesthetic practitioners.

“We believe that collectively raising the bar for the entire industry goes beyond meeting the minimum regulatory requirements, it involves providing information on best practices and ethics.

“HEFAMAA is committed to supporting you in this endeavor. We have developed comprehensive guidelines and standards for aesthetic and cosmetic services. These guidelines will encompass key aspects such as staff qualifications, facility hygiene, equipment safety, and ethical practices.

“In addition to technical skills, we will emphasize the importance of ethics and informed consent. Your clients trust you with their appearance and, in many cases, their self-esteem.

“This trust is a sacred bond that must be honored with the highest level of integrity and professionalism. Clear, honest communication about procedures, risks, and aftercare is vital in building and maintaining this trust,” Idowu explained.

In her goodwill message, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Oluwatoni Adeyemi, said Lagos State committed to working with its partners to uphold professionalism.

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She stated that the state government thrived on inclusivity, saying government is not here to unnecessarily shut practitioners’ facilities, but to ensure that the highest standard was maintained.

Adeyemi said there was need for aesthetics medicine and cosmetology practitioners to protect their clients by adequately taken care of them when they visited their facilities.

Mrs Shola Aguoba, who represented the Provost, Lagos State College of Health Technology, said the college, in 2022 trained 200 practitioners, saying that “in Lagos, we are committed to qualitative service. We are interest in training and retraining.

“All of you here are over qualified but we are here to acquire more knowledge. The issue of professionalism is key. The topics today are timely. As we go on, you will learn new things,” she stated.

The Chairman, Association of Spar and Cosmetology of Nigeria (ASCON), Chukwuma Emmanuel, emphasised the need for professionalism, which he said is key in the industry.

Chairman, Association of Practitioners of Spa and Medical Aesthetics of Nigeria (APSMAN), Felix, Avaja, said “You can’t achieve a great goal without doing the right thing, when it comes to standard, I love it. We must do it right. This training is a good one and it will help us understand the processes and guidelines.”

Director General, Lagos Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, in his goodwill message said the workshop is pivotal in ongoing efforts by HEFAMAA to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and safety within the aesthetic medicine industry.

“It demonstrates a dedication to advancing knowledge and skills in this specialized field and is highly commendable as it reflects a commitment to excellence which is crucial for the well-being of residents of our beloved State,” he said.

Mojola, who was represented by Mr. Akilo Adeyinka, said “In your hand lies the power to not only to enhance beauty but also to uphold, spurn and restore confidence. Your commitment to advancing professionalism ensures that every procedure is performed with precision, care, and the highest ethical standards.”

Prof. Peter Olaitan, Chairman, Nigerian Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (NAPRAS) said in the practice of aesthetics and cosmetology, “we are likely to have complications and how to handle it when they arise is key. This is a good thing that is happening. We have this workshop to ensure people are safe.

“Aesthetics care is increasing in Nigeria because people are interested in how they look. Risks are there but many of them are not reported, that is why it is important for us to know our limits. I am a plastic surgeon but I can’t do everything, we must know our limit.

“We must stay at the safety line. We as plastic surgeons are concern, even a portal can go and establish a quack site somewhere and claim to be a surgeon. We must continue to learn with the change. We must find a way of drawing the limits.”