New Bill to regulate cosmetic filler industry after fears of botched procedures

A new Bill will be introduced to improve the delivery of non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as injecting Botox or fillers, following concerns about botched procedures from untrained practitioners.

The Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Bill will ensure the procedures can be carried out only in suitable premises registered with an appropriate body.

Those who provide the procedures would also have to adhere to certain standards.

The legislation will be introduced in the Scottish Parliament before the election next year.

It was one of the five non-financial Bills confirmed by John Swinney’s Programme for Government on Tuesday.

In December, the government launched a consultation on regulating non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

At the time, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said the practice is growing popular, saying: “It is increasingly visible on our high streets, however, the sector is not currently fully regulated.

“The Scottish Government is concerned about the resulting undue level of risk for clients.

“Anyone undergoing cosmetic procedures has a right to expect that they will be carried out by appropriately trained practitioners using reputable products and in hygienic premises. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.”

She said some people had “traumatic experiences” when such procedures go wrong.

As the sector is not fully regulated anyone can carry out the procedures without formal training.

The consultation said injectable substances such as Botox and dermal fillers can be used in non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Licensing of cosmetic injections was first considered by the Government in 2020.