Key Changes in UK Aesthetics Regulations 2025
UK aesthetics regulations 2025 introduces mandatory new regulations to make non-surgical cosmetic procedures safer for everyone. So, what exactly is changing, and what does it mean for you? Let’s break it down.
A New Two-Tier System for Treatments
The government’s new plan is to categorize treatments based on their risk level, with different rules for each group.
High-Risk Procedures
The most significant changes are for high-risk procedures, which have the highest risk for serious complications. These include treatments like non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) and fillers injected into the breasts and genitals.
- Who can perform them? Only qualified healthcare professionals will be allowed to perform these procedures. This ensures that anyone performing a high-risk treatment has the medical knowledge and training to handle potential complications.
- Where can they be done? These treatments must be carried out in a clinic that is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England, so you can be confident that the premises meet strict safety and hygiene standards.
Lower-Risk Procedures
This category includes many popular treatments like Botox and dermal fillers for the face. These procedures will be regulated through a new local authority licensing scheme.
- What does this mean for practitioners? To get a license, practitioners will have to meet rigorous standards for training, safety, and insurance. This ensures that everyone offering these treatments is properly qualified and operates in a safe environment.
- What does this mean for you? You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your practitioner and their clinic have been vetted and approved by the local authority. It’s a way to easily identify reputable, trustworthy professionals.
Other Important Changes
Beyond the two-tier system, there are other crucial regulations being introduced to protect the public.
- Age Restrictions: While it’s already illegal to give Botox and dermal fillers to people under 18 in England, the new regulations will extend age restrictions to other high-risk procedures, unless a healthcare professional has authorized it. This is a vital step in protecting young people from unsafe beauty trends.
- Indemnity Insurance: All licensed practitioners will be legally required to hold indemnity insurance. This means that if something goes wrong, you are protected and have a clear path to resolution.
- In-Person Consultations: New prescribing rules now mandate face-to-face consultations for all prescription-only medicines (POMs), including botulinum toxins. This change prohibits online-only prescriptions and ensures a proper examination is conducted before any treatment is prescribed.
The Summary
These new regulations are designed to:
- Protect clients from unqualified practitioners and unsafe treatments.
- Elevate professional standards by requiring proper training and premises.
- Create a safer environment where you can feel confident in your choices.
The government has prioritized regulating the highest-risk procedures first, and a wider public consultation will happen soon to finalize the full scope of treatments covered. While these changes will take time to be fully implemented, they signal a clear commitment to a safer, more transparent, and professional aesthetics industry.
Here’s how we protect you and ensure the highest standards of care:
✔️ Qualified Practitioner: We’re led by a registered nurse with appropriate training in aesthetics.
✔️ Voluntarily Registered: Proudly registered with the JCCP (Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners), demonstrating our commitment to professional and ethical practice.
✔️ Fully Insured: We hold comprehensive indemnity insurance for your peace of mind.
✔️ Emergency Protocols: Registered with the Aesthetic Complications Expert (ACE) Group for immediate support and guidance if an emergency arises.
✔️ Strict Protocols: Only in-person consultations, rigorous infection control, and proper waste disposal are our standards.
Your safety is our priority. Always choose a practitioner who puts you first.
If you have any questions about our treatments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on Instagram or email us to book a free consultation!
Read more on this topic on government crackdown on unlicensed and unregulated cosmetic practitioners – JCCP
The licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England: consultation response – GOV.UK
