Proposed new restrictions aim to strengthen patient safety, clarify practitioner requirements and raise standards across the aesthetics sector.

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) welcomes the Government’s announcement of proposed new restrictions on high-risk cosmetic procedures, marking a significant development in efforts to strengthen public protection and improve standards across the aesthetics sector.

The proposals, published alongside a Government consultation on draft regulations, aim to address risks associated with high-risk cosmetic procedures being undertaken by individuals without appropriate qualifications, training or professional oversight.

What do the proposals mean?

The draft regulations set out significant proposed changes to who can carry out certain cosmetic procedures, including:

• Liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) and body fillers: fillers injected into areas of the body other than the face would be classified as cosmetic surgical procedures and restricted to doctors.
• Other high-risk treatments: specified procedures, including deep chemical peels, vampire facials, dermal micro-coring and certain laser treatments, would be restricted to defined groups of healthcare professionals, including doctors, dentists and certain nurses, midwives and pharmacists.
• Additional protections for under-18s: cosmetic surgery and other specified high-risk cosmetic or wellbeing treatments would be prohibited for under-18s.
• Stronger enforcement: those who breach the proposed requirements could face criminal penalties, unlimited fines or fixed penalties of up to £4,000, depending on the offence.

The Government is consulting clinicians, regulators, businesses, the public and other stakeholders before the proposals proceed through the parliamentary process, currently expected in Spring 2027.

The announcement sits alongside the Government’s separate commitment to introduce a licensing scheme for clinics providing lower-risk aesthetic treatments, including botulinum toxin and dermal fillers.

What does this mean for JCCP registrants?

The proposals have potential implications for practitioners and clinics across the aesthetics sector. Registrants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the draft regulations, consider how the proposed changes could affect their practice and engage with the consultation.

The proposals remain subject to consultation and subsequent legislation, so practitioners should distinguish between the proposed restrictions and existing legal requirements. The final scope of the regulations and the arrangements for implementation will depend on the outcome of the legislative process.

Lloyd Bracey, Chair at the JCCP, said:

"We welcome these draft regulations and we recognise the detailed work the Department of Health and Social Care had invested to make sure the focus remains on patient safety.  We look forward to the swift implementation of safeguards once the consultation ends. We urge the Department to maintain momentum by moving promptly to implement the next phase of regulation for amber and green categories, ensuring public protection across all levels of aesthetic practice.

JCCP: patient safety must remain at the centre of regulation

The JCCP believes that public protection, practitioner competence and professional accountability must remain central to the regulation of cosmetic practice.

Clear requirements around training, competence and the procedures different professional groups are permitted to undertake are essential to reducing avoidable harm and ensuring that people can make informed decisions about their care.

The Council welcomes the opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the consultation and looks forward to the proposals progressing in a timely manner. Maintaining momentum towards an effective regulatory framework will be important in delivering greater clarity for practitioners and strengthening safeguards for the public.

The JCCP will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders across the aesthetics sector to support the development of a clear, proportionate and effective regulatory framework. We look forward to contributing constructively as the proposals progress, helping to ensure that the views and expertise of practitioners are considered and that patient safety and public protection remain central to the process.

The JCCP encourages its registrants and other stakeholders to review the proposals and make their views known. The Council will continue to monitor developments and keep registrants informed as further details emerge.

Read the Government’s announcement and consultation details