BCAM Launches “Vet It Before You Get It” Campaign

The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) has launched its national public-awareness campaign, “Vet It Before You Get It,” alongside the publication of its Annual Clinical Review 2025, the UK’s most comprehensive data report on aesthetic medicine.

Drawing on evidence from 383 doctors and dentists practising aesthetics, the Review reveals a sharp rise in complications from treatments carried out by unqualified or non-medical practitioners, highlighting an urgent need for tighter regulation, clearer product transparency, and better patient education.

In the past year alone, BCAM members treated more than 3,000 complications arising from procedures performed elsewhere, nearly 2,000 linked directly to beauticians. While treatments performed by trained doctors and dentists remain overwhelmingly safe, the data confirms a public-health risk from unregulated injectables, counterfeit products, and illegal treatments on the high street.
 

The Numbers That Shock

• 3,002 complications treated by BCAM doctors in 2024
• 67% caused by other practitioners
• 87% of all complications involved dermal fillers
• 1,239 filler and 668 toxin cases linked to beauticians
• 264 laser burns and 85 thread-lift complications reported
• 21% of BCAM members were approached by under-18s seeking aesthetic treatment
   

Dr Sophie Shotter, President of BCAM, said:

“These figures confirm what we see daily in clinics, patients suffering at the hands of underqualified practitioners. Doctors are left to pick up the pieces, sometimes in life-threatening circumstances. Regulation is no longer optional; it is urgent.”

“Vet It Before You Get It”: Empowering the Public

The campaign’s mission is simple: to empower consumers to make safe, informed choices. Whether booking injectables, skin rejuvenation, or longevity treatments such as IV drips and energy-based devices, patients are urged to ask key safety questions before their first appointment.

At the centre of the initiative is the BCAM Pre-Consultation Safety Questionnaire, a downloadable checklist covering six key areas: professional credentials, supervision, insurance, product safety, emergency protocols, and clinic governance.

Patients are encouraged to ask:

• Is the practitioner medically qualified and registered (GMC, GDC, NMC, or GPhC)?
• Is the clinic CQC-registered and insured?
• Are the injectable products CE- or UKCA-marked?
• What is the clinic’s protocol for managing complications and out-of-hours emergencies?

If a practitioner cannot clearly answer or provide evidence to these questions, BCAM strongly advises against proceeding.

Download the questionnaire at www.bcam.ac.uk/vetitbeforeyougetit

Know Which Filler You’re Getting

Before having any filler treatment, patients have the right to know exactly what’s being injected and to see proof that it’s safe and genuine.

Before your treatment, always ask:

• Which brand and model of filler are you using?
• Is it CE-marked or UKCA-marked (i.e. meets UK/EU medical device standards)?
• Can I see the box or leaflet for the product?

If your injector can’t answer clearly or show documentation, don’t go ahead until you’re sure.

Why It Matters
Licensed, approved fillers meet strict safety standards. Counterfeit or unverified products can cause serious harm, including reactions, infection, or filler that can’t be safely dissolved.

How to Check the Packaging

• Authenticity: Look for sealed, tamper-evident packaging with holograms, batch numbers, and expiry dates.
• Details Match: The box, syringe, and leaflet should display the same batch number and expiry date.
• Red Flags: Spelling errors, missing information, or poor print quality may indicate counterfeit goods.
   

Pricing Warning
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic fillers are medical-grade and priced accordingly, cheap deals often mean fake or diluted products.

BCAM Guidance: If it’s not licensed, don’t get injected.

Know Which Toxin You’re Getting

Only six botulinum-toxin brands are currently licensed for cosmetic use in the UK:
Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Alluzience®, Letybo®, and Nuceiva®.
Patients should verify that the product being used is one of these and be cautious of unrecognised or imported toxins that may pose serious health risks.

BCAM Guidance: If it’s not licensed, don’t get injected.

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Treatments

Another key focus of the campaign addresses the financial drivers that fuel unsafe choices.
BCAM warns that many patients are lured by low-cost offers from non-medical providers, unaware that subsequent corrections and medical management of complications can cost ten times more than the original procedure — not to mention the emotional and physical toll.

Driving Higher Standards

At the London press launch of the Annual Clinical Review, BCAM members, journalists, and safety advocates gathered to discuss actionable steps to protect patients and elevate industry standards.

Sadie Van Sanden Cooke, Chief Operating Officer of BCAM, said:

“The launch of Vet It Before You Get It, alongside the findings of our Annual Clinical Review, marks an important moment for patient safety in aesthetic medicine. It was inspiring to see such strong engagement and thoughtful discussion from clinicians, media, and industry leaders, all united by a shared goal of raising standards, improving transparency, and protecting patients from the growing risks posed by unregulated practice. The energy in the room reflected a genuine commitment across our community to create lasting, positive change.”

Visit www.bcam.ac.uk