The Women and Equalities Committee has published a report raising serious safety concerns across both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, with particular focus on high-risk treatments, gaps in regulation and the growth of cosmetic tourism. In response, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) has urged the Government to prioritise enforceable standards and public protection.

The Committee’s findings draw attention to high-harm procedures such as liquid BBLs, the absence of statutory regulation for many non-surgical treatments, and the risks faced by individuals travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures. The report also stresses the need for clearer qualification requirements, improved aftercare and greater public awareness.

BABTAC contributed evidence to the inquiry, with Lesley Blair MBE, CEO and Chair of BABTAC and CIBTAC, providing testimony during an evidence session at the Palace of Westminster in October last year. The association states that its frontline industry insight helped inform the Committee’s conclusions.

Licensing and safety standards

Lesley Blair MBE said: “With treatments becoming more accessible due to lower costs, decisions that should involve careful research are sometimes made more impulsively. Without enforceable standards, self-regulation leaves consumers exposed to harm and undermines the professionalism of the sector.”

The Committee has recommended the introduction of a licensing system for lower-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures, often described as ‘green’ and ‘amber’ treatments. Under this model, only suitably qualified practitioners would be permitted to carry out such procedures.

Lesley adds: “We fully support the Women and Equalities Committee’s recommendation to introduce a licensing system for ‘green’ and ‘amber’ lower-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures, ensuring only suitably qualified practitioners can perform them. We urge the Government to act within this Parliament to bring this framework into effect.”

BABTAC has reiterated its message that consumers should not compromise safety in pursuit of lower prices. The organisation advises anyone considering treatment to verify practitioner qualifications, confirm appropriate insurance cover and review both pre-treatment consultation and aftercare arrangements.

Cosmetic tourism and aftercare

The report also calls on the Government to consider whether the NHS should systematically record complications arising from cosmetic procedures carried out overseas. The Committee highlights concerns about patients returning to the UK without structured aftercare.

Lesley comments: “What many people overlook is the aftercare and risk of complications post-procedure. Once back in the UK, individuals may face recovery issues without access to a dedicated aftercare team. This can create highly stressful situations, sometimes requiring urgent care or corrective procedures. Not only does this cause emotional distress, but it also places an added strain on the NHS,”

The growth of cosmetic tourism has increased scrutiny of cross-border standards and accountability, particularly where follow-up care is limited or absent.

Social media and body image

The Committee recommends that the Department of Health and Social Care work with the Department for Education to integrate evidence-based body image and social media literacy programmes into school curricula. This would include education on the risks associated with cosmetic procedures.

“Social media platforms and face-editing technologies are shaping unrealistic beauty standards, particularly for young women and girls. This can increase pressure to seek cosmetic procedures, sometimes impulsively and without fully understanding the risks. We support initiatives that educate the public, especially young people, about potential harms and encourage responsible use of social media to promote realistic body image,” Blair adds.

Research cited in the response indicates that 52% of women aged 18 to 34 would consider having a cosmetic procedure in the future, while nearly half of young adults believe social media has made both surgical and non-surgical treatments more commonplace.

High-risk procedures and research gaps

The Committee has also called for an immediate ban on liquid BBLs and liquid breast augmentations. It recommends that the Government commission further research into the health impacts of breast implants, including potential effects on women with pre-existing auto-immune conditions.

In addition, the report states that practitioners performing invasive surgical cosmetic procedures should hold specialist training and appropriate board certification in the procedures they undertake.

BABTAC, a not-for-profit membership body and insurance provider for professionals in the aesthetics, beauty, hair and wellbeing sectors, has long campaigned for a statutory regulatory framework. The organisation says that clear licensing and qualification requirements would help protect the public while supporting reputable practitioners.

Lesley Blair MBE has indicated she is available for further comment on the Committee’s findings and the association’s position on regulatory reform.