England plans stricter rules to regulate the cosmetic surgery industry

The UK government is planning to introduce new restrictions on who can perform cosmetic procedures in England starting in 2027. According to the BBC, the proposed legislation will include fines for operators who break the law. [1]

The BBC reported that the government began consulting on reforms to the cosmetic surgery industry in 2023 following long standing demands for tighter regulation. Unregulated operators have reportedly conducted procedures in locations such as hotel rooms, short term rental properties, garden sheds, and public toilets. [1]

Patients have suffered severe health complications after receiving treatments from unlicensed practitioners, the BBC said. Women reported experiencing severe pain, dangerous complications, and permanent scarring after undergoing procedures. [1]

The BBC noted specific cases of severe harm caused by non surgical procedures in 2024. Alice Webb, a mother of five from Gloucestershire, died hours after receiving a liquid Brazilian butt lift. In the same year, Sasha Dean from Bedfordshire was left in a coma following the same procedure. [1]