The UK Government is cracking down on “cosmetics cowboys” with new rules on procedures to ensure patient’s safety and protect them from botched treatments.
Under the proposed regulations, only qualified and regulated health care professionals will be able to perform certain cosmetic procedures, such as Liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs), vampire facials and chemical peels.
Those found breaking the rules could face court under new criminal offences, with fixed penalties up to £4,000 or unlimited fines for those who flout the law.
The new rules will see fillers injected into parts of the body other than the face, such as BBLs, classed as cosmetic surgical procedures under UK law.
This will mean they can only be performed by doctors.
Meanwhile, high-risk treatments that are non-surgical will be restricted to doctors, dentists, and some nurses, midwives and pharmacists who have completed accredited training.
This will include deep chemical peels, dermal micro-coring and some laser procedures, as well as vampire facials, also known as PRP facials, where blood is taken from a patient to obtain plasma and then applied topically via microneedling, or injected in skin.
Cosmetic surgery and other high-risk procedures will also be banned for under 18s.
A ban on fillers and botulinum toxin (commonly called Botox) for youngsters was introduced in 2021.
The move comes after widespread calls from across the beauty industry for greater regulation amid the rising popularity of cosmetic ‘tweakments’ and cosmetic procedures.
Currently there are few rules covering these types of procedures, including who can perform them, leaving people at risk of harm.
The government promised to tackle the issue last year.
“If you are planning to undergo a major cosmetic procedure, you deserve to know you are in safe hands – not risking your life with a rogue operator,” said Health Minister Karin Smyth.
“These changes mean that only properly trained professionals can carry out the most serious, high-risk procedures, and that young people will be shielded from treatments that can go badly wrong.
“We want to drive cosmetic cowboys out of the market and raise standards across the board, giving reputable businesses a fair chance to thrive by helping people identify safe, qualified providers they can trust.”
Victoria Brownlie MBE, Chief Policy & Sustainability Officer at the British Beauty Council, commented: “Over a number of years, the line between a beauty treatment and a medical procedure has blurred.
“A lack of regulation in what has become a booming market has led to an exploitation of these gaps, placing members of the public at serious risk.
“I believe this is a vital step toward the required regulation and commend the Government for tackling this issue head-on.
“Their assurance that a licensing scheme for ‘lower risk’ treatments will follow is also much welcomed as a vital turning point to ensure the highest standards of competence and care across the beauty and aesthetics sector.”
After a consultation on the draft regulations aimed at clinicians, regulators, businesses, the public and other experts, the proposed legislation will go through the parliamentary process to become law.
This is currently planned for spring 2027.
Related content:
- Landmark ban on remote prescribing of cosmetic injectables to take effect in weeks
- UK government opens consultation on licence to improve safety of Botox and filler treatments
- Scottish government to regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures within the next year
- Are Gen Z swapping 'baby Botox' for preventative skin care?
- Regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures within a year, MPs urge UK government
- 88% of London clinics flout Botox advertising regulations, study finds
