UK: data on cosmetic procedure practitioners
A recent analysis of the UK botulinum toxin (e.g., “Botox”) market highlights a dramatic rise in the number of practitioners offering such injections—with over 19,700 individuals operating in more than 5,500 clinics, a 437 % increase since 2023—and a large share working outside traditional medical settings. The data show that while doctors, nurses and dentists provide many treatments, nearly a quarter of injectors are non-medical aestheticians, and services are offered in a range of non-clinical venues such as beauty salons and mobile setups. This expansion has drawn safety and regulatory concerns because botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and its improper use can cause serious adverse effects, yet the current sector lacks a consistent licensing regime. Industry groups and policymakers are calling for stronger regulation to ensure that only qualified practitioners follow appropriate training, hygiene and insurance standards, part of broader government plans to tighten oversight of cosmetic procedures.