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Cosmetic procedures regulation in the UK: what’s being proposed
On 21 October 2026, the Department of Health and Social Care announced draft regulations setting out who would be allowed to carry out the highest-risk cosmetic procedures in the UK. The government says the aim is to stop unqualified practitioners performing these treatments and to help people find safe, qualified providers.
Body filler would become cosmetic surgery under new cosmetic procedures regulation
Under the proposals, filler injected into any part of the body other than the face would be legally defined as a cosmetic surgical procedure. That includes liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts. Only doctors would be able to perform them.
Some non-surgical treatments restricted to healthcare professionals
A group of high-risk non-surgical and wellbeing treatments would be limited to doctors, dentists, and some nurses, midwives and pharmacists. These include deep chemical peels, vampire facials, dermal micro-coring and some laser procedures. The nurses, midwives and pharmacists included are those who have completed accredited training that makes them legally authorised to prescribe.
The government says this closes a loophole that has allowed poorly qualified practitioners to carry out high-risk procedures in places like hotel rooms, with no regulatory oversight.
Protection for under-18s
The new rules would stop under-18s from having risky cosmetic or wellbeing treatments. Filler is already restricted for under-18s under a separate law.
Penalties
Providers who break the rules could face new criminal offences, with unlimited fines or fixed penalties of up to £4,000.
What people are saying
Health Minister Karin Smyth said the changes mean only properly trained professionals would carry out the most serious procedures, and that young people would be protected from treatments that can go badly wrong.
The British Beauty Council, Save Face and cosmetic doctor Dr Leah Totton have all welcomed the proposals. Save Face, which has campaigned for tougher rules since 2023, pointed to serious complications from non-healthcare practitioners performing procedures such as liquid BBLs, including the death of Alice Webb.
What happens next
The government says it is launching a consultation for clinicians, regulators, businesses, the public and other experts to comment on the draft regulations. The plans are currently expected to go through Parliament in spring 2027.
Separately, the government says it is still committed to a licensing scheme for clinics offering Botox, lip filler and other lower-risk treatments, so that they meet strict safety standards.
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