Many people seeking affordable cosmetic treatments visit beauty therapists and other non professionals, lured by the promise of the perfect look at a fraction of the cost.
However, this seemingly attractive option comes with a host of potential problems, as there is no set training or licence for this section of the industry.
Changes from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which started this month (June 2025), mean the rules have tightened after growing concerns for patient safety and unregulated treatments, offering the first steps to a more regulated industry.
The NMC has updated its guidance to make sure every client is assessed in person, not online, over the phone, or via a text message.
Paralegal Georgia Peters in Wake Smith’s clinical negligence team looks at the changes and what they mean for the industry.
Changes include:
- A face-to-face consultation will be mandatory before prescribing prescription-only medicines for non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
- Applies to nurse and midwife independent prescribers across the UK.
Georgia commented: “The NMC’s research identified a lack of public awareness that these treatments involve prescribed medicines and highlighted concerns about unregulated environments and non-qualified practitioners.
“The new rules mean face-to-face consultations are now mandatory before receiving Botox treatments from a qualified nurse prescriber or medical professional before anything is prescribed. The emphasis is on clinical safety and professional supervision.
“This is the first step in regulating the industry and takes a step forward to help reduce the number of failed, unprofessional procedures occurring by bringing it in line with other medical procedures, but means there is still a way to have the treatment properly and safely.
“The clear rule is, if you want these procedures done, visit an established licenced clinic which has proper qualifications held by professionals. That may mean you pay more for treatment, but will help avoid potential major repercussions if it goes wrong.”
Wake Smith’s clinical negligence team has previously acted for clients that have ended up with paralysis and irregularities after cosmetic surgery.
Industry research shows that 81% of patients who complained about their treatments didn’t give proper consent, and 76% weren’t told what products were being used.
2,824 complaints were made to Save Face in 2022 alone about unregistered practitioners and botched treatments.
Over 15.5 million doses of illegal medicines, including fake Botox, were seized in the UK in 2023, highlighting a significant rise in unregulated treatments.
Georgia added: “There has been an explosion in cosmetic procedures in recent years, with much of it being fuelled by sales on social media and in beauty shops on the High Street. These changes go some way to making it safer, but only if the individual or practice is regulated by the NMC.”
To check whether an individual is registered with the NMC, search the register via their website: https://www.nmc.org.uk/
For more information on Wake Smith clinical negligence services click here or call Georgia Peters on 0114 266 6660.