Move to regulate cosmetic procedures

People who are not healthcare professionals will need a licence to carry out cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers or lip enhancements under proposals being put forward by the Scottish Government.

The aim is to provide assurance for people who choose to have procedures which pierce or penetrate the skin carried out by non-healthcare professionals in premises such as aesthetic clinics, beauty salons, hairdressers and other similar locations.

The Scottish Government is seeking views from the public and interested parties in a consultation that will run until the end of April this year.

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said:

“We are committed to patient safety and want to ensure that all those who carry out non-surgical procedures, such as dermal fillers or lip enhancements, are competent and that the treatments take place in safe and hygienic premises.

“We plan to introduce regulations later this year and invite members of the public and interested parties to give their views as part of the consultation on our proposals.”

“In the meantime, we urge anyone considering any kind of cosmetic surgery to visit the Health Improvement Scotland website for regulated and approved providers.”

Background

In April 2016, legislation was introduced which meant independent clinics run by a doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife or dental technician had to register with Healthcare Improvement Scotland before they could legally provide cosmetic procedures. 

Consultation on the Regulation of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in Scotland