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Despite the 2023 proposal for a licensing scheme, England has made no significant progress on aesthetic regulations, with delays likely due to the 2024 general election.
Scotland has proposed a three-tier licensing system, while Wales has introduced new licensing for premises offering non-surgical treatments—but injectables may still be unregulated.
Alice Webb’s death in September 2024 has intensified calls for stricter regulations, with BAAPS and other groups pushing for ‘Alice’s Law’ to ban high-risk procedures.
Until formal regulations are implemented, practitioners should stay informed, invest in CPD-accredited training, prioritize patient safety, and prepare their clinics for future licensing changes.

We’re now well into 2025, and it’s time to take a look at the new developments there’s been in the UK for aesthetic regulations. Unfortunately, not much has changed since our 2024 regulations update. The aesthetic industry still remains largely unregulated, but all hope is not lost yet.

Estimated at being worth more than £3.6 billion, the UK’s aesthetic industry only continues to grow year after year. But as many of you know, this rapid growth can attract unqualified and untrained practitioners looking to cash in on a quick profit. This results in complications that can be as horrific as vascular occlusions or blindness.

Many of us have long been calling for increased regulations to prevent complications. Until this industry is regulated, unknowing patients remain at risk when seeking treatment from practitioners they assume are properly trained. In September 2023, the UK government announced their proposal for a licensing scheme, but how has that progressed since then?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the latest updates on new regulations for aesthetics in 2025, including Scotland and Wales’s new licensing scheme proposals, England’s stalled progress, and the tragic events that have driven demand for stricter regulation.

Why the UK Needs Aesthetic Regulations

Non-surgical aesthetic treatments promise dramatic results with minimal downtime. This is something that is highly appealing to patients. However, the lack of regulation in this industry leaves them vulnerable to botched procedures, life-altering injuries, and even fatalities.

One of the most tragic cases of last year was the death of Alice Webb in September 2024. She went to a clinic in Gloucestershire for a non-surgical BBL procedure that led to the loss of her life. This tragedy followed Charlotte Booth’s liquid BBL gone wrong the year before, where she suffered a permanent disability from the treatment. These incidents were entirely preventable and should not have happened.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), along with other public/media bodies like ITV and Save Face, is now urging the government to pass ‘Alice’s Law’. This law would ban high-risk procedures like liquid BBLs from being performed by unqualified practitioners. So far, no legislative movement to implement this law has progressed.

Scotland’s Proposed Aesthetic Licensing Scheme

Now let’s take a look at the progress that has been made towards implementing aesthetic regulations across the UK.

Scotland has taken a proactive approach by proposing a new aesthetic licensing scheme to improve patient safety. In December 2024, the Scottish Government published its initial proposals, with public consultation closing on 14th February 2025.

This plan introduced a three-tier system for classifying non-surgical procedures based on risk level. This system is similar to the one proposed in England in 2023. Scotland’s move towards regulation is a good sign, and we can only hope that this indicates movement towards a positive change across the UK as a whole.

Wales’s Approach to Aesthetic Licensing

There’s also been some progress for licensing in Wales.

In November 2024, the Welsh government introduced a new licensing scheme that covers premises conducting non-surgical cosmetic procedures like tattoos, electrolysis, and skin treatments. However, the legislation does not yet specify if it covers injectable treatments like Botox or dermal fillers.

Like England and Scotland, aesthetic practitioners in Wales can still administer injectables without any stringent licensing or training requirements. We can only hope that this licensing scheme includes injectables or that it will be modified to include them in the future.

Updates on New Regulations for Aesthetics 2025

Unfortunately, there has been no progress or updates since the September 2023 proposal. We expected an update after the government consultation in Spring or Summer of 2024, but it’s been radio silence. This delay might be due to the 2024 general election and government reshuffling. However, both parties were previously united on this issue, so hopefully the Labour party will continue moving this proposal forward in 2025.

In the wake of Alice Webb’s death, Health Minister Wes Streeting has faced growing pressure to take action. He has acknowledged the urgent need for reform but has also indicated there is no clear, current timeline for implementing any licensing laws.

With no updates since 2023, any movement towards regulating the aesthetic industry in 2025 isn’t looking good. The earliest we’ll see any law is 2026. However, the team at the Smileworks Aesthetic Training HUB remains optimistic that we’ll get a formal announcement by the end of 2025.

To read up on the proposed regulations, check out our 2024 regulation update for a summary on what to expect.

What Should Practitioners Do in the Meantime?

These proposed regulations are still on the horizon. Until we get another update from the government, you should spend time taking proactive steps to protect your practice and your patients. Here’s what we would recommend:

Stay informed: Follow updates from regulatory bodies such as the JCCP, BAAPS, BAMAN, and government health agencies.
Invest in Training: Continue your education with CPD-accredited aesthetic courses to ensure compliance with future licensing requirements.
Prioritise Patient Safety: If you haven’t already, be sure to adopt best practices, for hygiene, complication management, and product safety. Your patients’ safety is paramount.
Prepare for Licensing Changes: Assess your clinic’s current standards and consider implementing stricter protocols ahead of official mandates.

Learn Aesthetic Medicine From The Pros

Pressure is mounting for the government to take action against this notoriously unregulated industry. The tragic case of Alice Webb has only amplified the demand for better patient safety, and we’re hopeful that change is coming in the near future.

For practitioners, adapting to these changes will be crucial. Now is the time to prepare for a future of a safer aesthetic medicine industry. The best way to do that is through continued aesthetic training. This is where the Smileworks Aesthetic Training HUB comes in.

The HUB is an esteemed aesthetic training centre based in the UK. We pride ourselves on our wide range of online and hands-on courses tailored for every skill level.

Maybe you’re only just taking your first steps into the world of Botox and lip filler or you’re an advanced injector aiming to master facial ultrasound techniques. Perhaps you’re looking for more personalised one-to-one mentoring sessions. Regardless of your experience, the HUB has the expertise and courses to suit your needs.

It’s time to embrace the prospering world of aesthetic medicine. The HUB provides you with all the right training and guidance you need to succeed. Take control of your professional journey and step into a future filled with endless potential and opportunities.

Join us at the HUB. Let’s shape the future of aesthetic medicine together and ensure safe, effective, and transformative results for every patient.

Want to try out our courses before committing? Take advantage of our free trial for a taste of what learning at the HUB is like.

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