A CLINIC is among the first in the UK to be officially accredited as safe and qualified to carry out non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers.

Sue Stevens Aesthetics, based in Bishop Auckland, has become the first clinic in County Durham to become accredited by Save Face, an organisation that provides a register of accredited practitioners.

Legally, anyone in the UK can carry out non-surgical treatments but the industry has come under pressure to provide protection for patients from cowboy practitioners.

All clinics on the Save Face register are operated by registered doctors, dentists and nurses and have been visited and assessed for professionalism, qualifications and safety to give patients peace of mind when booking treatments.

Sue Stevens, director of Sue Stevens Aesthetics, said: “It is hugely important to have regulation in the non-invasive cosmetic treatments market.

“Being accredited by Save Face is something that I am proud of. I was able to demonstrate that I am practising correctly, and it allows my patients to feel confident in coming to me for treatment.

“The Save Face team are extremely helpful and their protocols and assessments are exceptionally thorough, which confirms that I am performing to the highest of standards.”

Independent and unbiased information about non-surgical cosmetic treatments can also be found online at saveface.co.uk.