Scottish Public Consultation into Aesthetics Licensing Open
The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation to establish a licensing framework for non-surgical aesthetic procedures, including microneedling, botulinum toxin injections, chemical peels, and dermal fillers. This initiative, which opened on December 20, 2024, and is set to close on February 14, 2025, aims to enhance patient safety and ensure that these procedures are performed by qualified practitioners in regulated settings.
The proposed regulatory framework categorises procedures into three groups:
Group 1: Procedures such as microneedling, superficial chemical peels, IPL, LED therapy, laser tattoo removal, and laser hair removal. These can be performed in licensed premises or Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS)-regulated settings by trained and licensed practitioners who are not healthcare professionals.
Group 2: Includes mesotherapy, botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, and other cosmetic injections. These procedures should be conducted in HIS-regulated settings by trained practitioners under the supervision of an appropriate healthcare professional.
Group 3: Encompasses PRP and other blood-derived injections, injection microsclerotherapy, injection lipolysis, dermal microcoring, hay fever injections, intravenous procedures, dermal fillers for augmentation, deeper chemical peels, advanced laser treatments, and other specified procedures. These should be performed in HIS-regulated settings exclusively by qualified healthcare professionals.
This structured approach seeks to balance public safety with professional practice, ensuring that procedures are carried out by appropriately trained individuals within regulated environments.
The consultation follows a 2020 survey where 98% of respondents agreed on the necessity for further regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The Scottish Government has committed to implementing these regulatory measures by April 2026, reflecting a strong public mandate for enhanced oversight in the aesthetics sector.
Stakeholders, including practitioners and the public, are encouraged to participate in the consultation to shape the future of aesthetic treatments in Scotland. For more information and to submit responses, visit the official consultation page.
Have your say here before the deadline of 14 February 2025.
