Licences Needed for Botox Clinics in Cosmetics Crackdown
The UK government has unveiled plans to introduce mandatory licensing for cosmetic clinics in England, in a move aimed at tightening safety standards and protecting the public from unqualified practitioners.
Under the proposed rules, only medically trained professionals will be allowed to perform high-risk non-surgical procedures such as Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) and breast fillers. Clinics offering popular treatments like Botox, lip fillers, and facial dermal fillers will also be required to obtain licences and meet stringent safety, training, and insurance standards.
The crackdown follows growing alarm over complications and injuries from cosmetic procedures marketed as non-surgical but often invasive. Non-surgical BBLs, which involve injecting fillers into the buttocks for a fuller appearance, have been flagged as particularly dangerous. In one tragic case, 39-year-old Alice Webb is believed to have become the first person in the UK to die from such a treatment in September 2024.
Health Minister Karin Smyth described the current state of the industry as “a Wild West” and said the new measures are designed to eliminate unsafe practices and protect patients. “This isn’t about stopping anyone from accessing treatments,” she said. “It’s about preventing rogue operators from exploiting people and putting their health at risk.”
The initiative also aims to shield young people from the influence of beauty trends promoted on social media. New age restrictions will be introduced to stop under-18s from undergoing certain procedures.
Industry bodies have welcomed the move. Save Face, a national register of accredited practitioners, praised the government for prioritising public safety. “We have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact these procedures can have,” said director Ashton Collins.
The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) also backed the reforms, calling proper regulation and oversight “imperative” in an industry estimated to involve around 16,000 businesses across the UK.
Although a public consultation in 2023 showed strong support for regulation, officials say it may take years before the new laws are fully implemented. The proposals must still undergo additional consultations and Parliamentary review before coming into effect.
Meanwhile, the public is being advised to choose only certified professionals and approved products. Health officials are currently investigating 38 suspected cases of poisoning linked to fake Botox injections.
Scotland has also outlined similar plans to improve safety in its cosmetic sector, following a recent consultation.
