SK:N Response to New Government Plans for Aesthetic Procedure Regulation

sk:n clinics have welcomed the UK Government’s announcement of a forthcoming licensing scheme for non-surgical aesthetic procedures in England, following the extensive 2023 consultation process. They commend the inclusion of measures that will require providers of higher-risk treatments to be licensed, alongside stricter standards around training, clinical oversight and hygiene.

They have stated that they are particularly encouraged by the decision to categorise aesthetic procedures according to their clinical risk under a tiered 'red, amber, green' framework. Treatments involving injectable substances such as botulinum toxin and dermal fillers — which fall under the higher-risk 'red' category — must be subject to stringent regulation and clinical oversight. Sk:n strongly support the Government’s intention to require that such procedures only take place in CQC-registered premises under the direction of qualified medical professionals.

Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Director at sk:n, commented: “This announcement is an essential step forward in safeguarding patients across England who are seeking aesthetic treatments. Injectables must only be administered by trained medical professionals, in clinically regulated settings. At sk:n, we have long championed the importance of medical oversight, patient safety and ethical practice. We are encouraged by the progress made and urge swift action to ensure that this regulatory framework is implemented in full.”

For too long, patients have been un-necessarily exposed to the dangers of unregulated and unsafe practices across the aesthetics sector. The emergence of a ‘wild west’ culture has allowed non-medically trained individuals to deliver invasive treatments in non-clinical environments, resulting in avoidable harm and a lack of recourse for those affected. This new framework has the potential to protect patients and uphold professional standards — but only if implementation is timely and enforcement is robust.

sk:n remain fully committed to supporting this legislative reform and working with the Government and wider industry to drive forward positive change.