The United Kingdom (UK) government has unveiled a raft of new measures aimed at tightening regulations around high-risk cosmetic procedures, following growing concern over the rise of unlicensed and dangerous aesthetic treatments across the country.
Announcing the proposed reforms on Thursday, the Department of Health and Social Care said the initiative sought to ‘crack down on cowboy cosmetic procedures that have left people maimed, injured and in need of urgent care.
Under the new rules, only qualified health professionals registered with the Care Quality Commission will be allowed to carry out invasive procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts (BBL) and the injection of fillers into breasts and genitals. The government noted that many of these treatments were misleadingly marketed as ‘non-surgical’ despite carrying significant medical risks.
‘Many of theseese procedures are marketed as non-surgical but, in reality, are invasive and carry serious risks’, the department said in a statement
Lower-risk cosmetic treatments, including Botox and lip fillers, will also be regulated under the new framework. Clinics offering these services must meet defined standards and obtain a licence from their local authority.
The proposed clampdown comes amid increasing reports of unqualified individuals conducting dangerous procedures in unregulated environments such as private homes, hotel rooms, and even public toilets. In July, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute raised the alarm, revealing that some practitioners had been caught offering fat injections and buttock enhancements in public restrooms.
In 2024 alone, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recorded nearly 27,500 surgical procedures, a five per cent rise compared to the previous year. Experts warned that many of these operations are being carried out by individuals with ‘little or no medical training’, resulting in complications ranging from permanent scarring to death.
The Save Face charity, which supports victims of unsafe aesthetic procedures, reported that it had helped more than 750 women recover from botched treatments.
‘These measures will help protect people from the devastating consequences of poorly performed cosmetic procedures’, said junior health minister Karin Smyth. ‘They will also reduce the cost to the NHS of fixing botched procedures and give patients greater peace of mind’.
As part of the new regulations, the government also plans to restrict risky cosmetic treatments for individuals under the age of 18 unless formally approved by a qualified health professional. This move is aimed at shielding young people from ‘dangerous beauty trends on social media’, the health department stated.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently warned of a spike in adverse reactions linked to cosmetic procedures. Since early June, 41 people have suffered complications after undergoing treatments involving botulinum toxin, with reported symptoms including difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and breathing problems.
The government will launch a public consultation on the proposed regulations in early 2026, seeking input from industry professionals, healthcare providers, and the general public before finalizing the legislation.
