The Scottish Government has introduced legislation that would significantly tighten controls on cosmetic injectables and non-surgical aesthetic treatments, creating new offences and sharply limiting where and by whom such procedures can be performed.
The Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill proposes a statutory licensing framework for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, ‘Brazilian butt lifts’ and other aesthetic treatments. The reforms are aimed at addressing patient safety risks associated with unregulated practice and inconsistent standards across the sector.
New offences and penalties
Under the proposed legislation, it would become an offence to carry out a non-surgical cosmetic procedure on a person under the age of 18, or to perform a procedure outside a permitted premises. Breaches could attract fines of up to £10,000.
The Bill would also restrict where non-surgical cosmetic procedures can legally be delivered. Treatments would only be permitted in NHS GP practices, dental practices and pharmacies. Procedures could also be carried out in private hospitals and clinics, provided they are registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the treatment is overseen by a sufficiently qualified practitioner, defined as a medical practitioner, dentist or pharmacist.
Expanded scope of regulated treatments
In addition to injectables, the proposed regulatory framework would extend to a wider range of aesthetic procedures, including chemical peels, microneedling and cellulite treatments, bringing many commonly offered non-invasive services into scope for the first time.
The legislation would also give the Scottish Government powers to set minimum standards for hygiene, practitioner qualifications and patient safety, enabling more consistent regulation and enforcement across the sector.
Safety concerns driving reform
The Bill follows mounting concern about the prevalence of unregulated cosmetic practice in Scotland. The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses has previously described Scotland as the ‘worst country in Europe’ for unqualified beauticians injecting customers with cosmetic treatments.
A 2024 survey by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland found that more than a third of medical professionals had treated patients suffering complications from unregulated cosmetic procedures, underscoring the impact on both patient safety and the wider healthcare system.
Part of wider UK reform agenda
Scotland’s proposed reforms sit within a broader UK-wide push to bring non-surgical aesthetics under tighter statutory oversight. Similar licensing and age-restriction measures are progressing in England, reflecting growing political and regulatory focus on cosmetic treatments delivered outside traditional healthcare settings.
The Bill has now been introduced to the Scottish Parliament and will proceed through parliamentary scrutiny before any new regulatory framework is implemented.
