"The findings were formally accepted by the Government two years ago but will not be included in an overhaul of medical regulations to be published this week. Instead ministers are expected to argue that large areas of the cosmetic treatment industry - worth £225m a year - should be subject to self-regulation."

"While rules governing cosmetic surgery are being tightened, those covering more minor procedures are not. It means unregulated medics can continue to hold so-called "Botox parties" in hotel rooms without fear of being inspected by the Healthcare Commission, the independent watchdog of standards in the private sector."

"Ministers have also waved away expert concerns that the use of live tissue in artificial fillers could leave patients vulnerable to the brain disease new-variant CJD."

"The U-turn is causing dismay among reputable clinics offering cosmetic treatments and charities such as Changing Faces, a support group for the facially disfigured."

"James Partridge, its chief executive and a member of the Department of Health's Cosmetic Surgery Steering Group, said he would be "very disappointed" if ministers dropped any of the proposed regulations."

"But a senior Whitehall official has confirmed that the Chief Medical Officer has all but lost a battle with ministers over the issue."

"Sir Liam Donaldson wanted to ensure that patients attracted to the booming cosmetic industry for
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