Following an extensive public and industry consultation, the Scottish government has released its findings and recommendations for the regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures
The British Beauty Council, which fed into the consultation, welcomes the Scottish Government’s proposals and legislative next steps which are set to improve safety for people seeking non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
The findings set out key areas where increased legislation is necessary: licensing of practitioners that are not healthcare professionals, licensing of premises that are not regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, and the grouping of procedures – and who can do them – depending on the risks associated.
Now that the consultation is published, the Scottish Parliament must pass legislation, promisingly it proposes to bring forward a combination of primary and secondary legislation in the current session of Parliament.
On the proposals, Jenni Minto MSP Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health said: ‘The Scottish Government will now act to bring forward regulations for non-surgical cosmetic procedures that are proportionate, robust and future-proofed.’
Following the findings of the consultation the government has confirmed its intention to group procedures and the people that can carry them out into three, these are:
- Group 1: Procedures should be carried out in a licensed premises by a licensed practitioner but may also be carried out in a clinic or other setting regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).
- Group 2: Procedures would be restricted to a clinic or other setting regulated by HIS, under the supervision of, or by, a healthcare professional.
- Group 3: Procedures must only be undertaken only by an appropriate healthcare professional.
You can see a full list of the proposed procedures set out within each group in the full consultation response.
The response also sets out that procedures in Group 2 and 3 should be carried out by:
- a medical practitioner (doctor);
- a dental practitioner;
- a registered prescribing nurse; or
- a registered prescribing pharmacist.
Scotland’s response states that they are yet to conclude whether they will proceed with an age limit for non-surgical cosmetic procedures for under-18. In 2021, the British Beauty Council was successful in lobbying the government for the introduction of this age limit in England and now hopes for Scotland to do the same.
Whilst it fed into this consultation, the British Beauty Council is continuing to urge all UK governments to work towards parity of regulation. Victoria Brownlie MBE, Chief Policy and Sustainability Officer at the organisation said: ‘We are pleased to see the Scottish Government’s renewed commitment to regulation of non-cosmetic procedures, the proposed grouping and licensing will undoubtedly increase safety and raise the reputation of the sector. It’s now down to the Scottish Parliament to ensure the next steps are followed and legislation is introduced. On top of this, the Council is continuing to work with the remaining UK governments to ensure public safety is put first via increased and uniform legislation across all four nations.’
Read the full consultation response here.
