Less than one third of cosmetic injections in the UK are performed by doctors

According to a study by experts at University College London (UCL), 32% of practitioners administering treatments like botulinum toxin are medical doctors.

The study, published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, marks the first comprehensive survey to examine the backgrounds and qualifications of those offering cosmetic injectable services, including botulinum toxin and dermal fillers, in the UK. Until now, there has been limited knowledge regarding the training and experience levels of practitioners.

UCL researchers, supported by a research grant from QUAD A, evaluated 3,000 websites, identifying 1,224 independent clinics and 3,667 practitioners responsible for delivering cosmetic injections. The professions represented among these practitioners were diverse, with 32% being doctors, 13% nurses, 24% dentists, 8% dental nurses, 8% allied health professionals, 2% trainee dental nurses and 1% pharmacists. Among the doctors, 41% were on the specialist register, and 19% were listed on the GP register. Plastic surgery and dermatology were the two largest groups among the 27 specialities represented on the specialist register.

The cosmetic injectables market in the UK is projected to reach a substantial value of £11.7 billion by 2026, despite being largely unregulated at present. However, the UK government is gearing up to address this issue by updating policies around injectables. A public consultation is scheduled to commence in August 2023 to inform amendments to the Medical Act in 2024.

Dr David Zargaran, a co-author of the study and an expert in UCL Plastic Surgery, emphasised that the lack of knowledge about the professional backgrounds of practitioners impedes adequate regulation of the industry. 

“There are well-documented, yet to-date unaddressed, challenges in the UK cosmetic injectables market," he said. “The range of backgrounds opens a broader question relating to competence and consent. It is important for patients to feel comfortable and confident that the person administering their treatment is competent in the procedure as a fundamental foundation of informed consent.” 

Dr Zargan added that the research will help the sector work towards a safer and more transparent injectables industry in the UK: "One of the key challenges facing the government’s licensing scheme is to ensure that practitioners granted a licence possess the skills and experience required to safely administer their treatment to minimise risks to patients."