Regulation and licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures: consultation background paper

Ministerial Foreword

In Scotland today more and more people are choosing to have non-surgical cosmetic procedures. This is a personal choice which people make for a whole range of reasons, and is supporting a growing industry of healthcare professionals and beauty therapists. It is increasingly visible on our high streets, however the sector is not currently fully regulated. The Scottish Government is concerned about the resulting undue level of risk for clients.

Any one undergoing cosmetic procedures has a right to expect that they will be carried out by appropriately trained practitioners using reputable products and in hygienic premises. Unfortunately this is not always the case.

While there are many reputable practitioners, we have also seen an increase in media reports about people who have experienced complications from procedures that have gone wrong. I have personally heard moving testimony about some of the negative consequences of these procedures and want to acknowledge here the bravery of those who have shared their often traumatic experiences.

Due to Scottish Government action in the last ten years independent healthcare clinics in Scotland are now regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Any non-surgical cosmetic procedures that take place in these settings are subject to certain standards. However, the whole sector is not yet fully regulated, meaning that anyone can perform procedures, without the need for any formal training or qualifications.

Ninety-eight percent of respondents to a 2020 consultation supported the principle of further regulation of procedures carried out by those who are not qualified healthcare professionals. Twenty-six percent of respondents to a citizens panel exercise thought that procedures such as dermal fillers were already regulated.

As Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, I believe this underlines the need for enforceable regulations for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. We need to ensure that there is a framework to keep people safe when they choose to undergo a non-surgical procedure but which also supports reputable practitioners to carry them out.

This new consultation builds on the previous one and puts forward more detailed proposals for what that further regulation could look like.

We have heard from experts, practitioners and concerned members of the public, but now we want to hear from you. Your views are an important next step in the process and I hope you will take the opportunity to have your say, and help us to prepare regulations for non-surgical cosmetic procedures that are proportionate, robust and future-proofed.

Jenni Minto MSP
Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health