It may seem a really basic question but it is absolutely vital to understand what the law is going to define as a cosmetic procedure.
Why?
Because whatever the new legislation defines as a cosmetic procedure – and an influential group of MPs have called for the new law to come into force as early as July 2023 – will require a licence to perform.
The wording of the Health and Care Act law passed in April defines a non-surgical cosmetic (aesthetic) procedure under the term “cosmetic procedure” as follows:
“a procedure, other than a surgical or dental procedure, that is carried out for cosmetic purposes; and includes—
(a) the injection of a substance;
(b) the application of a substance that is capable of penetrating into or through the epidermis;
(c) the insertion of needles into the skin;
(d) the placing of threads under the skin;
(e) the application of light, electricity, cold or heat”
So, as you can see it’s going to be very important what is included because all of these will then require the new licence. What will the requirements be exactly for practitioners. We don’t know yet – but it is likely to include a requirement for a new qualification in aesthetics – and possibly up to level 7.
