A significant step toward regulating Scotland’s rapidly expanding cosmetic industry was announced in May 2025 with the introduction of the Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Bill. Designed to address growing safety concerns, the bill is scheduled to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament before May 2026, followed by a phased implementation plan.

The legislation aims to bring order to an industry often described as “the Wild West” due to the absence of formal regulations, inconsistent qualifications among practitioners, and rising reports of injuries resulting from botched aesthetic procedures. Treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, microneedling, chemical peels and thread lifts have become increasingly popular—yet until now, many have been administered in unlicensed premises by individuals with limited or no medical training.

A Three-Tier Risk Framework

The bill proposes a three-tier classification system to categorise treatments based on risk and invasiveness:

• Group 1 (Low-risk): Includes microneedling, superficial peels, laser hair removal, and LED treatments. These will require licensed premises and appropriately trained practitioners.
• Group 2 (Moderate-risk): Covers procedures such as botulinum toxin (Botox), dermal fillers and mesotherapy. These must be performed or overseen by regulated healthcare professionals in approved settings.
• Group 3 (High-risk): Includes platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, deep peels, thread lifts and intimate area treatments. Only qualified medical professionals will be permitted to carry out these procedures in clinics regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).

The legislation will also prohibit all non-surgical aesthetic treatments for individuals under the age of 18.

The Local Picture: East Kilbride Clinics

The bill is expected to significantly affect towns like East Kilbride, where non-surgical aesthetic treatments are readily available across multiple private providers. At present, East Kilbride is home to at least seven private aesthetic clinics offering services that would fall under the scope of this new legislation. These include:

1. The Skin & Face Clinic, Murray Square
2. MediSkin Health & Aesthetic Clinic, St Bryde Street
3. Daisychain Aesthetics
4. Illuminate Laser Clinic
5. Enhance Your Beauty, The Village
6. Aesthetics Beauty By D, EK Business Centre
7. See More Beauty & Skin Clinic

None of these clinics are currently subject to uniform regulation or inspection under medical legislation, though some voluntarily work with qualified nurses or doctors. Once the new framework is implemented, all such providers will be required to meet new licensing and safety requirements.

Implementation Timeline

The Scottish Government aims to introduce the bill before May 2026. After its formal introduction, it will proceed through the standard parliamentary process, including committee scrutiny and debate. Once passed, a phased implementation will begin, allowing existing clinics and practitioners time to comply with the new requirements.

Enforcement will be shared between local authorities and Healthcare Improvement Scotland, which will be responsible for licensing and inspecting facilities, verifying practitioner qualifications, and responding to non-compliance.

National and UK-wide Significance

Though this bill will initially apply only in Scotland, it is being closely watched by campaigners and regulatory bodies across the UK. England, Wales and Northern Ireland have not yet implemented comprehensive laws to regulate non-surgical cosmetic treatments, relying instead on voluntary accreditation schemes. This move by the Scottish Government may pave the way for similar legislation elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Campaigners Welcome the Move

The proposed legislation has been welcomed by health campaigners and patient safety advocates, many of whom have long warned of the dangers posed by unregulated aesthetics. The tragic death of Alice Webb after a failed cosmetic procedure brought national attention to the issue. Other victims have reported nerve damage, infections and permanent scarring.

Professional associations, including the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) and Save Face, have publicly supported the bill and called for its swift adoption.

Have You Been Affected?

If you have been impacted by a non-surgical cosmetic procedure, or have concerns about a clinic operating in your area, we want to hear from you. Whether you’re a patient, practitioner, or community member, your insight is vital in helping us monitor and advocate for safety across East Kilbride and beyond.

You can contact us confidentially via email at ek@thecommunityimpact.co.uk or by social media.

We will continue to monitor the progress of this bill and publish updates as it moves through Parliament.