Non-surgical cosmetic procedures - supporting safer practice

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as injectables, fillers and skin treatments, are increasingly common across the UK. While many people choose these treatments safely, there are still significant gaps in how they are regulated. The PSA is calling for a clear, consistent and risk-based approach across all four UK nations to better protect the public, raise standards of consumer safety and support safer practice across the sector.

Stronger safeguards are needed

The PSA has been calling for stronger safeguards for people undergoing non-surgical cosmetic procedures for several years. We responded to consultations by both the UK and Scottish Governments on proposals to introduce licensing schemes and published briefings setting out our recommendations. Since then, both Governments have committed to taking forward reform. 

In England, the Government has confirmed plans to introduce a tiered licensing scheme for lower- and medium-risk procedures through local authorities, with additional restrictions for higher-risk procedures. A further consultation is expected on the detailed proposals for higher-risk treatments. In Scotland, work is continuing to implement a licensing scheme, with preparations underway for introduction of the new arrangements by September 2027. 

While these developments are welcome, significant gaps in public protection remain until the new arrangements are in place and in Wales and Northern Ireland where no commitment to introduce new safeguards has yet been made. 

The PSA continues to work with governments and stakeholders across the UK to support effective regulation and encourage a consistent, risk-based approach wherever possible. 
In the meantime, we encourage members of the public to check whether practitioners belong to a PSA Accredited Register before booking treatment.

Read a Q&A with PSA Chair Caroline Corby and find out more about the PSA's work on non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Why regulation matters

Concerns about non-surgical cosmetic procedures are long-standing. The 2013 Keogh Review, commissioned after the PIP breast implant scandal, described non-surgical interventions as a “crisis waiting to happen” because of the lack of regulation, training standards and patient protection. More than a decade later, many of those concerns remain, with no mandatory requirements in place for some of the highest-risk procedures.

The regulation safety gap

New research commissioned by the PSA reveals consumers spend almost as long researching a hotel stay as they do a private baby scan clinic, with 1 in 4 not considering safety checks when booking appointments.