Government tightens rules on high-risk Cosmetic Procedures

The Government has announced a major crackdown on unsafe cosmetic treatments, introducing new restrictions designed to protect the public from unqualified practitioners and prevent serious harm. The measures target a range of high-risk procedures, including liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs), vampire facials and deep chemical peels.

Under the proposed regulations, only appropriately trained and regulated healthcare professionals will be permitted to carry out the highest-risk cosmetic procedures. Liquid BBLs and other body filler treatments would be legally classified as cosmetic surgical procedures, meaning they could only be performed by doctors. High-risk non-surgical treatments, such as certain laser procedures, vampire facials and deep chemical peels, would be restricted to doctors, dentists and suitably qualified nurses, midwives and pharmacists.

The Government also confirmed that:

“Separate to the consultation, the government remains committed to implementing a licensing scheme to ensure that clinics delivering botulinum toxin products (more commonly known as Botox), lip filler and other lower-risk treatments meet strict safety standards, putting an end to backyard Botox clinics.”

The Government is also seeking to ban high-risk cosmetic and wellbeing treatments for anyone under the age of 18, strengthening protections for young people. Those who breach the new rules could face criminal sanctions, including unlimited fines or fixed penalties of up to £4,000.

Health Minister Karin Smyth MP said the reforms are intended to ensure that people undergoing cosmetic procedures can have confidence that they are being treated safely by qualified professionals. She added that the measures would help remove rogue operators from the market while supporting reputable businesses that meet appropriate standards.

The proposals have been welcomed by industry and patient safety organisations. Victoria Brownlie MBE of the British Beauty Council described the move as a vital step towards addressing regulatory gaps in a rapidly growing market. Meanwhile, Ashton Collins, Director of Save Face, said stronger regulation was needed to tackle the growing number of serious complications associated with high-risk cosmetic procedures.

The Government has launched a public consultation on the draft regulations, inviting views from clinicians, regulators, businesses and the public. Subject to consultation outcomes and parliamentary approval, the new regulations are expected to be introduced from spring 2027.

The announcement forms part of a wider programme of cosmetic sector reform, which will also include a licensing scheme for lower-risk treatments such as Botox and lip fillers, aimed at improving standards across the industry and eliminating unsafe, unregulated providers.