New rules for botox and Brazilian butt lifts backed by MSPs

MSPs have backed the introduction of restrictions on cosmetic procedures including botox injections and non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts.

The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill was tabled in response to concerns that Scots are being harmed by botched beauty treatments.

It would ban treatments for under-18s and restrict them to approved premises, such as health clinics and pharmacies.

The proposed legislation would also impose rules on dermal fillers and laser treatments.

MSPs unanimously backed the general principles of the bill.

It will need to pass two more stages of parliamentary scrutiny before Holyrood breaks up for May's election to become law.

The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses has described Scotland as the "worst country in Europe" for unqualified beauticians injecting customers with cosmetic treatments.

Advice Direct Scotland recently warned that children as young as 15 were seeking help following botched botox treatments and dermal fillers.

There is no specific requirement for people to complete training before delivering non-surgical procedures, with the Scottish government estimating that there could be up to 1,500 business carrying out unregulated procedures in Scotland.

A survey by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland in 2024 found more than a third of medical professionals had treated patients suffering complications from unregulated cosmetic procedures.

The proposed legislation would create offences for delivering treatments to someone under the age of 18, or for performing it outwith a permitted premises, with a maximum fine of up to £10,000.

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures would only be allowed in NHS GP practices, dentists and pharmacies.

They could also be carried out in private hospitals and clinics, as long as they are registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the procedure is overseen by a sufficiently qualified practitioner. This would include a medic, dentist or pharmacist.

The legislation would also give the government the power to set hygiene, qualification and safety standards.

Brazilian butt lifts or BBLs, used to enlarge buttocks, are typically carried out with silicone-filled implants or fat injections.

However, cheaper non-surgical BBLs are carried with using hyaluronic acid - also used in dermal fillers.

If not performed safely, they can lead to serious health complications.

The regulations would also apply to chemical peels, in which chemical are used to remove skins cells, cellulite treatments and microneedling, which involves making tiny punctures in a person's skin.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto told parliament: "Many people value these procedures.

"This bill is not about restricting access or judging anyone who receives them."

However, she said the government was taking action to make treatments safer for everyone.

Conservative MSP Sandesh Gulhane, backing the bill, said regulations should keep up with a rapidly expanding cosmetics industry.

He told parliament: "By establishing clearer standards, strong oversight and appropriate safeguards we can protect patients, support practitioners and ensure that when people do choose to undergo these procedures they can do so with confidence."

Labour's Carol Mochan said the bill could plug a "worrying gap" in regulations for cosmetic procedures and improve patient safety.

Green co-leader Gillian Mackay backed the introduction of rules but said MSPs had to ensure those "safely and ethically" carrying out treatments were able to adapt.

However, Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton warned that if the bill was not amended it could have "unintended consequences" for "responsible" practitioners.

He cited concerns over a provision that a medical professional must be on site every time a procedure is carried out. Cole-Hamilton also warned of the risk of practitioners being pushed "underground".

Tory MSP Maurice Golden warned the bill could put 1,800 "female-led businesses to the wall".

He also claimed the bill would lower safety standards and bar highly-skilled and insured practitioners who are not healthcare professionals from the industry.

Minto said she "did not recognise" the numbers cited by Golden.