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

1. Introduction

The number of non-surgical cosmetic procedures (NSCPs) being carried out across Scotland and the UK has risen considerably over the years and continues to do so^[1]. Alongside the growth of this industry there has been increased concern about the safety of these procedures, especially, but not only, where they take place outwith a traditional healthcare setting. The Scottish Government believes that consumers should be able to receive these procedures with confidence and with minimal risk of harm, wherever they access them. We also believe that providers of these procedures should have a framework within which they can operate safely and responsibly.

NSCPs are undertaken for a variety of reasons, and in a variety of settings. Some of the procedures considered in this consultation may be offered as part of NHS care (including through the exceptional referral protocol) and via private or independent healthcare – for example, laser hair removal. This consultation does not consider procedures undertaken for healthcare purposes, and the proposals included are for further regulation of NSCPs that take place for aesthetic purposes only.

This consultation considers an approach to introducing more regulation to this sector, and this paper is designed to provide more information to support the feedback we are seeking from the wider public.

The first part of this paper provides background about NSCPs, the current landscape, and existing regulations that are relevant to this discussion.

The second part of this paper provides information about the Scottish Government’s proposals. Subject to the views received, we will develop these proposals further, and we intend to bring forward legislation to implement them.

We have a set of specific questions we would like you to answer, and these can be found at https://consult.gov.scot/healthcare-quality-and-improvement/regulation-of-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/.