Cosmetic procedures

The aesthetics industry – which includes non-surgical cosmetic treatments like fillers and skin boosters – is growing quickly. These treatments vary widely, and some can pose serious health risks if not carried out safely.

If you're considering any kind of cosmetic treatment, it's important to ask the right questions and take sensible precautions. 

Here's a checklist of questions to help you choose a safe and reputable practitioner:

1. How long has the practitioner been qualified? How many times have they done this procedure?
2. Can they show proof of their training or registration? Are they medically qualified and registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), or are they a registered dentist or prescribing nurse?
3. Are they a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM)?
4. Are they registered with the Joint Council for Cosmetic Procedures (JCCP)?
5. Do they have full medical insurance that covers complications?
6. Is the treatment area clean and safe?
7. Do they or the premises have any existing licences?
8. Is a free consultation offered? If not, is there a detailed consultation that includes your medical history and goals?
9. Have they explained what products or devices they'll use? Are they using trusted brands for things like fillers or Botox?
10. Have they clearly explained what the procedure involves and what results you can expect?
11. Have they talked through any risks or side effects?
12. Do you know what to expect after the procedure and what support is available?
13. If the treatment involves prescription-only medicine, have you had a face-to-face consultation with the prescriber?
14. Do you know what to do if something goes wrong? Have they explained when to seek medical help?
15. Is there a complaints process or a way to seek redress if needed?
16. Can they show before-and-after photos or testimonials?
17. Have they kept their skills up to date with further training?
18. Have they offered time to think before going ahead with the procedure?
19. Have they considered your emotional and psychological wellbeing?
20. Do you feel you've been given enough information to make a confident decision? Does the clinic have an age policy that prevents under-18s from receiving treatment?

If you're worried about a clinic, salon, spa or individual offering cosmetic procedures, please contact our environmental health team or the health and safety executive.

We have received several complaints about unsafe practices in this sector. One investigation led to 22 health and safety prohibition notices being issued to a practitioner. These notices stop them from carrying out certain procedures until they can prove they are doing so safely.

We're not alone in facing these issues. Across the country, there have been well-publicised cases of people suffering serious health problems after undergoing cosmetic treatments.

Current regulations

At the moment, there are very few rules about who can perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Treatments are offered by both medically trained professionals (like doctors, nurses and pharmacists) and non-medical practitioners (such as beauty therapists). There is no legal requirement for all practitioners to meet minimum standards for training or infection control.

Changes

In April 2022, the Government introduced the Health and Care Act. This law allows for a new licensing scheme to be created, which will help make non-surgical procedures safer and ensure better standards of care.

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Procedures (JCCP) is working with the Government to shape this new scheme. It will be introduced through secondary legislation, but the exact timeline is still to be confirmed.

What will be covered

The new licence will apply to non-surgical cosmetic procedures carried out for aesthetic purposes. These include:

• injecting substances (for example, fillers or botulinum toxin)
• applying substances that penetrate the skin
• inserting needles (for example, micro-needling)
• placing threads under the skin (for example, thread lifts)
• using light, electricity, cold or heat (for example, laser treatments)

Surgical and dental procedures are not included.

What is required

The licensing scheme will include:

• personal licences: for individuals performing treatments
• premises licences: for locations where treatments are carried out
• training standards: all practitioners must meet national standards for training and safety

The aim is to protect the public and ensure treatments are carried out by qualified professionals in safe environments.

Our role

It's not yet clear which organisation will oversee the new licensing scheme. However, since current enforcement relies on health and safety laws, it's likely that our Food and Commercial Safety team will continue to play a key role.

To prepare, we've added proactive inspections of aesthetic businesses to our work plan. We aim to carry out one inspection per month and will respond to all complaints in this sector.

Until the new licensing rules are in place, we will continue to use existing health and safety laws to take action where there is an immediate risk to public health.

A proper licensing system will help regulate a fast-growing industry and protect people from unsafe treatments. It will also give the public confidence that the procedures they choose are being carried out to high standards, reducing the risk of physical, emotional or psychological harm.