Aesthetic Regulation Solicitors

In August 2025, the UK government announced proposals to introduce stricter regulations in respect of non-surgical procedures and aesthetics treatments. These regulations, due to come into force early 2026, will see a new licensing scheme, registration requirements with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and further age restrictions. These new regulations will affect a number of treatments and procedures, including everything from weight loss injections, cosmetic fillers, and Botox to cosmetic dentistry and other non-surgical treatments. 

Already, beauty therapists and practitioners who are registered with regulators - such as nurses and midwives who practice outside their professional responsibilities - can expect to face investigations if non-surgical aesthetic procedures go wrong or regulations are not adhered to. However, with these new regulations, those practitioners who are currently unregistered, could now be subject to a criminal prosecution by the CQC or regulatory proceedings that may impact their ability to practice.

Anyone who needs support in registering and meeting their legal obligations to a regulator, or who needs legal services to defend themselves during a criminal investigation or fitness to practise investigation or proceedings, should seek legal advice at their earliest opportunity.
At JMW, our experienced team of aesthetic regulatory solicitors can advise you on compliance to ensure you have met the licensing requirements. We can defend aesthetic practitioners and their businesses in criminal and civil enforcement action brought by the CQC. Our CQC solicitors have been at the cutting edge of regulation in the aesthetics industry, so get in touch to learn how we can help.

Call us on 0345 872 6666 or use our online enquiry form to request a call back.

How JMW Can Help

JMW offers a range of vital services for aesthetic practitioners. While the new rules will expose a broader range of practitioners to legal scrutiny, there are some legal requirements and professional standards already in place that those in the sector must remain aware of. 

JMW offers legal services relating to:

• Registration and licensing for aesthetic practitioners
• Counterfeit medicines, dermal fillers and other products
• Illegal sales of cosmetic products, whether fake or genuine
• Failure to meet regulatory requirements for pharmacies prescribing weight loss medications.
• Criminal prosecutions for unlicensed procedures or products

Our team of expert regulation lawyers have represented many clients in criminal proceedings and legal action brought by regulatory bodies. We will stand by you throughout the process, prove your fitness to practice and defend your licence. With a strong track record of success, JMW is the right firm to entrust with your aesthetic practice.

Meet Our Team of Aesthetic Regulation Solicitors

What Is Changing Under the Health and Care Act 2022?

The Health and Care Act 2022 is a sweeping piece of legislation covering the UK cosmetic surgery and personal care industry. While some of it is aimed at medical professionals, a significant step is the introduction of the regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Procedures ranging from laser treatments to subdermal threading have grown in popularity over recent years, but many have been available from practitioners with no formal medical training, and with no overall regulation of the industry.

The Health and Care Act 2022 aims to enhance patient safety and standardise practices within the aesthetics industry, with provisions including the introduction of a traffic light system for non-surgical procedures to better regulate the highest-risk treatments. It came into force in July 2022, but the specific regulations detailing the licensing scheme are to be developed through secondary legislation.

While details of this legislation have not been published, the act empowers the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to introduce regulations that will cover all of the requirements listed below, and businesses offering non-surgical procedures should prepare for changes in these areas:

• Licensing: Individuals will need to obtain a personal licence to perform specified non-surgical cosmetic procedures, although we do not yet know which procedures will be subject to the requirement. Facilities where such procedures are conducted may also need to secure a premises licence. These measures are designed to uphold defined safety and hygiene standards for both practitioners and their operating environments.
• Non-surgical cosmetic procedures: The act could apply to a range of cosmetic procedures, such as:
• Application of substances penetrating the epidermis (such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion)
• Insertion of needles into the skin, including for the injection of substances like botulinum toxin (Botox) and dermal fillers
• Placement of threads under the skin
• Application of light, electricity, cold, or heat (as in laser hair removal)
• Insurance: Adequate indemnity insurance will likely be mandatory for licensed premises.
• Informed choices: Consumers should be given more information about risks when they are selecting practitioners.

The Government has committed to introducing these regulations but has not provided a definitive timeline for their implementation. However, it is expected that they will be introduced within the next year, and it is vital for those offering aesthetic treatments to prepare for the introduction of a new regulatory framework.

Why Choose JMW?

If you are concerned about regulatory penalties or are facing a fitness to practise investigation or proceedings, it is important to find the right lawyer. JMW has vast experience in representing medical practitioners through regulatory investigations, and in upholding their interests. Our thorough knowledge of medical regulation means that we are best placed to support aesthetic practitioners, and we will stay abreast of any changes so that we are ready to advise before they come into play.