This morning, the BBC reported on growing concern around high-risk cosmetic procedures in the UK. A cross-party group of MPs has called for tighter rules on treatments such as liquid Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs).
Their message is clear. These procedures carry serious risks. They believe only doctors should be allowed to perform high-risk treatments. At present, there is no regulation on who can carry out many non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
MPs described the current situation as a “wild west”. Reports show some treatments are being carried out in unsafe settings such as hotel rooms and private homes. Some patients have suffered severe complications.
One case shared by the BBC involved a woman left in a coma after a liquid BBL. She developed sepsis. She had a heart attack. One lung collapsed. Her kidneys began to fail. She survived, but she still lives with long-term health problems.
This is not an isolated concern.
A recent study from University College London found there are now more than 5,500 clinics offering non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the UK. Only around a third of practitioners are qualified doctors. Training standards vary widely. Some providers rely only on online courses before treating patients.
This is not safe.
Why Regulation Matters
As medical professionals, we understand that “non-surgical” does not mean “low risk”.
Injectables can cause:
- Vascular occlusion
- Tissue necrosis
- Infection
- Sepsis
- Blindness
- Permanent scarring
These are medical complications. They require medical knowledge. They require clinical judgement. They require safe environments.
We fully support clear regulation in aesthetics.
High-risk procedures should only be performed by regulated healthcare professionals. Clear definitions of what counts as “high risk” must be set in law. Without this, enforcement is difficult.
Patient safety must come first.
Our Position as a Medical Aesthetics Training Provider
Cosmetic Courses has been leading the way in aesthetics training since 2002.
We are the longest-established aesthetic training provider in the UK. We were also the first Cosmetic Surgeon-led aesthetic training academy.
Our Medical Director, Mr Adrian Richards, is one of the UK’s most experienced Consultant Plastic Surgeons in both surgical and non-surgical treatments. He works alongside a handpicked team of experienced medical trainers.
From day one, we have only trained qualified medical professionals.
We do not train non-medics in any form of injectables.
We believe aesthetic medicine is medicine. It is not beauty therapy. It is not a side course. It is not something that should be learned in a few hours online.
Proper training includes:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Complication management
- Safe prescribing
- Patient assessment
- Consent and ethics
- Supervised practical experience
This is the standard patients deserve.
A Turning Point for the Industry
The government has proposed changes that would restrict high-risk procedures to regulated healthcare professionals. Inspection by the Care Quality Commission has also been discussed. However, no confirmed date has been given for when these measures will begin.
The delay is concerning.
Every year without regulation increases risk to patients. It also damages trust in the wider aesthetics industry – including those who practise safely and ethically.
As medical professionals, you are part of the solution.
By committing to proper training, evidence-based practice, and ethical standards, you help raise the bar. You protect patients. You protect the profession.
Regulation is not something to fear. It is something to welcome.
It will protect the public.
It will protect medical professionals.
It will protect the future of aesthetic medicine in the UK.
At Cosmetic Courses, we remain committed to medical-led education, patient safety, and raising standards across the industry.
Now more than ever, that matters.
You can read the full BBC article, “Stop dithering on Brazilian butt lift crackdown, say MPs,” by clicking here.
