Holyrood backs crackdown on botox and non-surgical cosmetic procedures

The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill was introduced in response to evidence that poorly regulated beauty treatments are causing harm across Scotland. MSPs voted in favour of the bill’s general principles, clearing the way for further parliamentary scrutiny ahead of the May election.

The legislation would ban non-surgical cosmetic procedures for under-18s and restrict where treatments can be carried out, limiting them to approved premises such as GP surgeries, dental practices, pharmacies and registered private clinics. It would also impose controls on procedures including dermal fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling and cellulite treatments.

Under the proposals, procedures would need to be overseen by a suitably qualified professional, such as a doctor, dentist or pharmacist, with private providers required to register with Healthcare Improvement Scotland. The bill would also give ministers powers to set hygiene, safety and qualification standards, and create criminal offences for breaches, punishable by fines of up to £10,000.

Non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts, which use substances such as hyaluronic acid rather than implants or fat transfer, are included in the proposals after warnings that unsafe practices can lead to serious complications.

The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses has previously described Scotland as the “worst country in Europe” for unqualified practitioners delivering injectable treatments. Advice Direct Scotland has reported cases involving children as young as 15 seeking help after botched procedures, while a 2024 survey by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland found more than a third of clinicians had treated complications arising from unregulated cosmetic work.

The Scottish government estimates that up to 1,500 businesses may currently be offering non-surgical cosmetic procedures without formal regulation. The bill must pass two further stages before Holyrood rises for the election if it is to become law.