Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to bring forward regulations on who is permitted to administer (a) botox injections and (b) dermal fillers.

The Government is committed to improving the safety of cosmetic procedures through better training for practitioners, and clear information so that people can make informed decisions about their care. The growth in non-surgical treatments increases the need for consumer protection and we are currently working with stakeholders to strengthen the regulation of cosmetic procedures.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the United Kingdom.

Botulinum injections (commonly known under the brand name ‘Botox’) are prescription-only medicines. A prescriber may delegate responsibility for the administration of the medicine, but they retain responsibility for ensuring that the secondary practitioner provides the treatment safely.

Currently, a dermal filler may be regulated either as a general product, a medicine or a medical device, depending on its composition and intended use. From May 2020 all dermal fillers, irrespective of their composition and intended use, will be regulated as medical devices under Annex XVI of the Medical Device Regulations (EU 2017/745). Whilst it is outside of the remit of the Regulations to make provisions for who can administer or use medical devices on another person, the Regulations will significantly strengthen the quality assurance and safety of dermal fillers.

We urge anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure to take the time to find a reputable, insured and appropriately qualified practitioner who is either subject to statutory regulation or on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.