02 Mar

UK to introduce licences for Botox and filler treatment

The health secretary has confirmed that a new licensing scheme will be introduced to protect patients undergoing Botox and filler treatment.

Under new guidelines, providers in the UK will be required to hold a licence. Currently, practitioners do not need a licence to offer Botox and other non-surgical facial cosmetic treatments, such as fillers.

The move comes after an “unacceptable” increase in the number of people reporting botched procedures. New laws will mean that it is an offence to administer cosmetic treatment without the relevant licence.

Speaking about the proposals, Mr Javid said, “far too many people have been left physically and emotionally scarred” as a result of things going wrong during cosmetic procedures.

While the health secretary stressed that most people who provide non-invasive cosmetic services do an excellent job, there are those that do not follow best practice guidelines. Implementing new rules will enforce “consistent” clinical standards and enhanced hygiene and safety protocols for premises that offer services.

Health minister, Maria Caulfield, said that cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, have become much more popular in recent years and there has been an “unacceptable” rise in the number of botched procedures.

There has been a significant increase in the demand for fillers and anti-wrinkle treatments in the last decade. People see images and adverts on social media and pictures of celebrities and they want to have treatment.

Sadly, some fall into the trap of going to practitioners who may not have the necessary skills, training or medical or dental expertise to provide safe, effective treatment.

Health ministers are advising anyone who is considering having Botox or filler treatment to research procedures and make sure they go to reputable clinics. Dental practices and clinics staffed by experienced aestheticians and doctors and nurses are a much safer bet than beauty salons and shopping centres where staff are unlikely to have medical training.

The latest move to protect patients comes after new regulations were introduced in 2021 to prevent under 18s from having Botox and fillers.