AESTHETICS ON THE EMERALD ISLE

Registered nurses Claudia McGloin and Olivia Kirwan discuss how practitioners are navigating shifts in the sector in Ireland

From evolving regulations to new treatment options and the rise of non-medical injectors, the aesthetic industry in Ireland is adapting to a shifting landscape. Olivia Kirwan and Claudia McGloin, who have half a century’s combined medical experience, share their insights on practising aesthetics in Ireland, the challenges for nurses and the growing trends reshaping how patients approach treatments.

THE BATTLE FOR RECOGNITION

One of the main differences between practising aesthetics in Ireland versus the UK is the evolving role of nurses. Historically, nurses in Ireland faced restrictions on administering treatments like toxin, which limited their role within the aesthetic space. McGloin explains that doctors have traditionally been resistant to allowing nurses to perform injectables, often viewing it as their exclusive domain.

“There was a time when nurses were the primary practitioners in aesthetics here, focusing on fillers and injectables. Then, doctors stepped in and took over these treatments, especially botulinum toxin injections,” Kirwan adds. “It’s frustrating, as many nurses have years of injection experience from their medical training, while some doctors rarely handle injections in their regular practice.”

This resistance has been compounded by non-medical practitioners entering the aesthetics field, often without the training or anatomical knowledge to administer injections safely.

THE RISE OF UNQUALIFIED PRACTITIONERS

One of the most troubling issues in the Irish sector is the surge of beauty therapists and lay people offering aesthetic treatments. According to McGloin, she regularly encounters patients with complications after receiving filler injections from undertrained practitioners. “Recently, a young woman came to me after getting fillers from a beautician. The product was substandard, leading to lumps and bumps along her jawline,” she recalls. “We’re increasingly dealing with poor technique, infections, and unregulated products.”

Both practitioners agree that unqualified injectors often lack knowledge about infection control, anatomy, and patient aftercare. “There’s a lack of fear or understanding of the risks,” McGloin adds. “If you know what you’re doing, you’re more cautious, but if you don’t understand the dangers, you proceed blindly, which is risky for patients.”

This problem isn’t confined to Ireland as increasing numbers of cases of nonmedics performing complex procedures in the UK are reported, including liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs), sometimes resulting in severe complications.

In dealing with complications from other practitioners, McGloin notes a challenging legal landscape. While nurses are bound by a duty of care, intervening in a case where complications have occurred can place them at legal risk. “I had a conversation with a lawyer who advised against intervening because, in a legal situation, the last person to treat the patient could be held responsible,” she explains. This leaves practitioners with a difficult choice: help patients or protect themselves from liability.

As more non-medical practitioners enter the industry, there is a call among licensed professionals for stricter regulations. While medical practitioners such as doctors, nurses, and dentists follow stringent guidelines and ongoing training, others can operate without any official oversight. “I’d love to see regulations that ensure only medics can perform these treatments,” McGloin asserts, arguing that a lack of standards and accountability risks client safety.

Some industry professionals worry that regulation could drive some practitioners underground, making the problem harder to track. However, Kirwan and McGloin believe that robust enforcement could help maintain standards and protect consumers. In the meantime, educating patients about the importance of medical qualifications for injectables remains a priority.

BEYOND FILLERS

Amid these challenges, aesthetic trends continue to evolve. Kirwan notes a shift from traditional fillers towards treatments that focus on skin quality and regeneration. “Many of my patients are now interested in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), plasmarich fibrin (PRF), growth factors and polynucleotide treatments. They’re seeking long-term skin health, not just volume,” she explains. “It’s a more natural, regenerative approach to aesthetics.”

McGloin agrees, noting that exosomes are also gaining traction. “These treatments are effective for improving skin quality, offering a more holistic approach compared to just filling lines and wrinkles,” she says. Both practitioners emphasise the importance of skincare as a foundation, recommending patients establish a strong home care regimen before seeking injectables.

Another shift they’ve observed is a rise in male patients and an increase in patients over 40 who want to feel good at their age, rather than look younger. “Men are coming in for treatments like laser hair removal, and many women over 40 are prioritising skin quality over drastic changes,” McGloin says.

PREJUVENATION AND THE TREND FOR PREVENTION

In London, the concept of ‘prejuvenation’ (younger patients seeking early treatments to prevent ageing) is popular, but Kirwan and McGloin see less of this. “Our patients are more interested in looking natural and preserving their appearance as they age,” Kirwan explains. “We don’t get as many twenty-somethings seeking injectables purely as a preventative measure.”

This focus on a natural aesthetic aligns with Kirwan and McGloin’s own philosophies. Both emphasise that their approach to aesthetics is subtle and aims to enhance rather than alter. “Anyone who leaves my clinic looks natural – they just want to feel good for their age,” adds Kirwan.

PRIVACY AND PROFESSIONALISM

According to Kirwan, one of the biggest draws for patients is privacy. Many patients appreciate the discreet location of Bay Aesthetics clinic, tucked away among solicitors’ and accountants’ offices.

“It’s very private, which is huge for my patients,” she explains. With a carefully curated waiting room and minimal overlap between appointments, the clinic offers a space where patients can feel at ease without worrying about being seen. This emphasis on discretion is becoming an essential part of the Irish aesthetic experience, particularly as patients seek professional, confidential care away from the crowds of larger, high-street chains.

CONSUMER AWARENESS

Social media has undoubtedly fuelled the popularity of aesthetic treatments, but it has also created challenges around misleading advertising. With some providers posting ‘before and after’ images that are highly edited or staged, consumers can be misled about the results they can realistically expect. “I don’t post ‘before and afters’ because it’s not always an accurate representation,” Kirwan explains, emphasising the importance of transparency and patient confidentiality.

Even more concerning, some non-qualified practitioners are falsely marketing themselves as ‘nurse injectors’ or using terms like ‘aesthetic nurse’ without proper credentials. This tactic can mislead patients into believing they are receiving treatment from a medically trained professional. “People don’t always check, and that’s the issue,” McGloin adds, suggesting that protecting titles like ‘nurse’ and ‘doctor’ could be a helpful step in regulating the industry.

LOOKING AHEAD

As Ireland’s aesthetic industry continues to grow, balancing accessibility with quality and safety is more critical than ever. Medical professionals are calling for enhanced regulation, public awareness campaigns, and industry standards to ensure that non-surgical treatments remain safe and effective.

For patients, the message is clear: do the research. Verify a practitioner’s credentials, ask about training, and don’t be swayed solely by lower prices or attractive social media profiles.

“I work hard to maintain my registration and uphold high standards,” concludes McGloin. “It’s disappointing to see others misrepresent themselves or provide subpar care. We owe it to our patients to protect their health and wellbeing.” The hope is that with more public education and regulatory support, Ireland’s aesthetic industry can flourish responsibly, offering patients the beauty and confidence they seek with the safety they deserve.