The crackdown on the business of botched beauty tightens this week as the government announces new restrictions on aesthetic treatments. The latest development to address growing concerns around 'cosmetic cowboys' redefines what exactly qualifies as a cosmetic surgical procedure, who is permitted to perform them, and introduces an age ban for certain treatments in order to prevent patients from serious risk of harm or even death.
Following countless reports of rogue, unregulated surgeries and procedures carried out by unqualified practitioners, under the new rules highest-risk cosmetic procedures, including fillers injected into parts of the body other than the face (like liquid BBLs), will now be legally defined as cosmetic surgical procedures and should therefore only be carried out by a doctor.
Likewise, high-risk non-surgical or wellbeing treatments, such as deep chemical peels, vampire facials, dermal micro-coring and some laser procedures should only be performed by doctors and dentists. Nurses, midwives and pharmacists who have completed an accredited training course, which makes them legally authorised to prescribe medications to patients, can also provide the treatment.
The new guidance will prevent under-18s from undergoing risky cosmetic or wellbeing treatments, while fillers are already restricted for children under a separate law.
Health Minister, Karin Smyth, says, '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.'
In line with the rulings, the government is launching a consultation to ask clinicians, regulators, businesses, the public and other experts for their say on the draft regulations before plans go through the parliamentary process, which is currently planned for spring 2027.
Outside of this, there is a continued focus on implementing a licensing scheme to ensure that clinics delivering botulinum toxin products (Botox), lip filler and other lower-risk treatments meet strict safety standards, in the hope of capping off unregulated backyard clinics.
Victoria Brownlie MBE, Chief Policy & Sustainability Officer at the British Beauty Council, explains, '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.'
'Save Face has campaigned for tougher rules since 2023, so that those who flout them are held accountable,' adds Ashton Collins, Director of Save Face. 'This consultation gives the public, practitioners, and experts the chance to help shape the final framework. We urge everyone to respond, and we look forward to the legislation being brought before Parliament so that it can be enacted as soon as possible to prevent further harm.'
While the line between surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures have become blurred over the years and led to the exploitation of a regulatory loophole, the new rules seek to close the gap with a set of clearer guidelines.
To impose the rules, rogue practitioners who flout the proposals run the risk of being taken to court under tough new criminal offences. Breaking the new guidance could see providers being hit with unlimited fines, or fixed penalties up to £4,000.
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
Like this? Get more Grazia content straight to your browser. Click here to add Grazia as a preferred source on Google.