Botched Botox & Fillers on the Rise — Can New Rules Protect Patients?

An unregulated industry

The beauty industry is largely unregulated with little surrounding legislation resulting in many cosmetic clinics offering high-risk treatments without adequate medical training. In 2017, there were 931 reported incidents from procedures like Botox and lip-fillers – and shockingly, 83% of those procedures were carried out by non-medics.

Alarmingly, aestheticians can also purchase cosmetic products freely online without licensing. The danger became all too real in July 2025, where there were 38 reported cases of botulism poisoning in the UK, after receiving treatment using unlicensed Botox-like products.

Lack of insurance

Aestheticians are under no legal obligation to hold insurance. Even when policies are in place, insurers often refuse to indemnify practitioners due to breaches of policy, for example failing to carry out patch test before treatment. This leaves injured patients with little choice but to pursue claims directly against the individual aesthetician.

Unrealistic promises & expectations

Influencer marketing has glamorised non-surgical aesthetic procedures, but behind the filter lies a harsh reality. Many clinics and aestheticians use social media to promote treatments by overstating results and downplaying the risks. When patients are misled and the reality does not match the promise, they often turn to legal action.

The rise of medical tourism

Bargain non-surgical cosmetic procedures abroad are costing patients more than they bargained for. In 2023, UK hospital admissions linked to failed overseas procedures jumped by 94% compared to previous years. These cases not only drive-up legal claims but also trigger complicated jurisdictional legal battles.

What now? – The Government’s new regime

In response to growing concerns over patient safety, the UK government is proposing new licensing rules for non-surgical aesthetic procedures. The aim being to raise standards across the industry and ensure better protection for patients. The new regulations introduce a risk-based licensing framework, categorising procedures into three distinct tiers based on their complexity and potential for harm:

• Green procedures (GPs) – GPs are deemed low risk and can therefore, be carried out by unlicensed practitioners with adequate insurance.
• Amber procedures (APs) – APs require non-healthcare professions to be licenced with oversight by a regulated healthcare professional.
• Red procedures (RPs) – RPs will be brought under the watchful eye of the Care Quality Commission and will only be conducted by qualified healthcare professionals.

Under the new rules, anyone offering non-surgical aesthetic treatments must be adequately trained, insured, and committed to maintaining clinical standards – including hygiene and infection control. Those who fall short risk costly fines and enforcement by the Care Quality Commission.

Hopefully, the new regulations will transform the aesthetics landscape, ensuring patients are better protected when things go wrong. In the meantime, protect yourself and if you are thinking of undergoing a non-surgical cosmetic procedure, always check Save Face, the government -approved register of trusted practitioners. Don’t take the risk for a cheaper deal – your health should always come first.