[Emergency guidelines for cosmetic procedures and esthetic skin treatment: recommendations of the medical establishment].

The use of devices for cosmetic treatment and esthetic skin treatments has increased in recent years. Some of these treatments, especially those that pass the dermo-epidermal barrier, can cause complications and secondary effects. In Belgium, there is almost no legislation concerning this type of treatment. Therefore, the Belgian Health Council has advised in a recent publication of January 2011, that there is an urgent need for adequate regulation concerning the use of devices for cosmetic treatment and esthetic skin treatment. The Council suggests to start up an evaluation commission, and also to have strict guidelines about the training needed for professionals who do this kind of treatments. Inspections by a competent authority should control the adherence to the forthcoming legislation.