Unlike other areas of medicine, the aesthetics industry remains largely unregulated. According to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, over two-thirds (68%) of cosmetic injections are administered by non-medics.
Injectables such as botulinum toxin and dermal fillers are prescription-only drugs, because they can cause blindness, necrosis, sepsis, and systemic illness when entrusted in the wrong hands.
“Doctors train for years to understand the structure of the face, the placement of blood vessels, how to recognise and treat complications, and yet someone with no medical background can do the same thing after a weekend's training.
“It’s completely absurd and would never be allowed in any other area of medicine,” shares Sophie Cooper, medical director at The Harley Street Clinic.
Previously, the government has acted to strengthen unsafe practice, banning unsafe tattoo ink, regulating sunbeds, and restricting paracetamol sales - so why are injectables any different?
The dangers of an unregulated industry
In 2024, Save Face Charity received reports from more than 3,000 people of complications or unwanted outcomes from cosmetic procedures, and since 2022, Save Face has received more than 300 reports from patients who have experienced near-death experiences as a result of the ‘liquid’ BBL and breast augmentation procedures.
The results of these complications can be devastating, as seen in the tragic case of the mother of five, Alice Webb, who died after undergoing a liquid BBL procedure carried out by individuals with no medical qualifications.
Sadly, this is not an isolated story; in the UK, there have been 41 confirmed cases of botulinum toxin-related botulism so far in 2025.
Botulism can cause muscle paralysis, difficulty swallowing and speaking, changes in vision, nausea, vomiting, and, if left untreated, botulism could lead to respiratory failure and possible death.
Medical professionals are trained to identify and manage complications, using their knowledge and clinical experience to explain potential risks during aesthetic consultations, ensuring that patients can provide fully informed consent.
Despite this, almost one in five (18%) of patients were not informed of risks during their botulinum toxin consultation, and 9% were not given a consent form.
Legally, botulinum toxin can only be prescribed by a qualified medical professional after a consultation. However, according to Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), only 42% of patients say a qualified prescriber was present during their botulinum toxin consultation.
In the past year, the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) had 3,547 cases of complications from non-medical injectors, and 60% were traced back to beauticians.
“The NHS bears the cost, patients bear the trauma, and families are left devastated," shares Sophie Cooper.
Sign the petition, protect patient safety, and trust
The Harley Street Clinic is demanding urgent government action to put an end to the dangerous ‘wild west’ of cosmetic injectables, calling upon members of the public to sign their petition to ban non-medics from administering injectables.
Qualified aesthetic professionals face the devastating consequences of unregulated and unsafe procedures. This danger undermines the credibility of skilled medical professionals, and patient trust is vital.
“While aesthetic outcomes are important, patient safety must always remain the top priority. Trained medics are committed to ensuring that every patient receives evidence-based care, in a safe and regulated environment, tailored to their unique needs,” explains Dr Lucy Glancey, senior doctor at The Harley Street Clinic.
It is not good enough to simply treat victims after the damage - we must stop the harm before it starts.
Sign the petition today.
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