UK Implements Stricter Regulations on Risky Cosmetic Procedures
The UK government has recently declared a comprehensive set of new regulations aimed at curbing unsafe cosmetic procedures, including Brazilian butt lifts, in the wake of a surge in mishandled treatments.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has proposed legislation that will limit high-risk procedures like liquid BBLs to healthcare professionals who are registered with the Care Quality Commission. This move is a response to alarming reports of unqualified practitioners carrying out dangerous treatments in unsafe environments, such as public toilets and hotel rooms.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute has warned that 41 individuals have experienced adverse reactions from botulinum toxin procedures since June. Meanwhile, the charity Save Face has provided support to over 750 women who have undergone unsafe procedures.
Under the new framework, clinics that offer lower-risk treatments like Botox and lip fillers will need to obtain local authority licenses. The measures also impose age restrictions for under-18s, unless authorized by healthcare professionals. This is aimed at protecting children from harmful social media beauty trends.
Junior Health Minister Karin Smyth emphasized that these regulations will offer patients ‘peace of mind’ and help to reduce NHS costs associated with rectifying botched procedures.
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recorded 27,500 procedures in 2024 alone, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.
Read more about the crackdown on unsafe cosmetic procedures