HOT OFF THE PRESS
Scottish Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Bill to regulate the non-surgical procedures industry
The Scottish Parliament has agreed to the general principles of the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill.
The proposed legislation’s main purpose is to regulate the non-surgical cosmetic procedures industry, following growing concerns surrounding the rise of botched procedures that risk patient safety.
As it stands, the Bill proposes that a selection of defined non-surgical procedures will only be permitted to be carried out in a registered healthcare setting.
The Bill also plans to strengthen the regulations surrounding minors receiving these procedures, prohibiting any individuals under the age of 18 from having any of the defined non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
The Bill is now progressing to Stage 2, allowing MSPs to submit amendments to the current principles. Any suggested amendments will be considered and debated at a meeting – which was scheduled for February 24, 2026, as AM went to press – before proceeding to the next stage.
In the final stage, any remaining amendments will be considered before Parliament votes on the Bill, with a simple majority required for it to pass.
The Bill aims to regulate some of the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures, ensuring that they are carried out safely, by appropriately trained practitioners, and within licensed premises that meet strict hygiene and safety standards.
Higher dosage weight-loss injection Wegovy gains approval in the UK
A higher dose of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss medication, Wegovy, has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for weight management in patients with obesity in the UK.
The approval was granted based on data from a phase three, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted across 95 hospitals, specialist clinics, and medical centres in 11 countries.
The study found that patients receiving a 7.2mg dose of Wegovy achieved a weight loss of 18.7%, compared to a weight loss of 3.9% for patients receiving the placebo.
Following the MHRA’s approval to launch the higher dose in the UK, eligible patients will be able to access the higher maintenance dose if they require further weight loss.
Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher could be eligible for the higher dose of Wegovy, in conjunction with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
When a patient is first prescribed Wegovy, the starting dose is 0.25mg per week. The healthcare professional monitoring the patient gradually instructs the patient to increase their dose every four weeks until they reach the regular dose of 2.4mg per week.
If the patient meets the criteria and requires a higher dose, an increase to 7.2mg per week can be made after a minimum of four weeks on 2.4mg. The maximum dose is 7.2mg per week.
The higher dose is injected in three doses of 2.4mg, one after the other on the same day.
“With rates of obesity continuing to rise across the UK, this milestone reinforces Novo Nordisk’s long-term commitment to improving population health through science-led innovation and responsible access,” stated the manufacturer.
The 7.2mg dose is currently available as three 2.4mg injections, but a 7.2mg single dose is expected to become available this year.
UK botulinum toxin practitioners surge 437% since 2023
A new study from UCL researchers has highlighted a drastic increase in practitioners, including non-medical aestheticians, administering botulinum toxin since 2023.
The aim of the study was to characterise practitioner profiles, pricing patterns, premises types, and socioeconomic gradients.
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis of practitioners administering botulinum toxin and fillers across the UK from January to July 2025, using public data from online materials and social media.
The study found that there were 19,702 practitioners administering botulinum toxin across 5,589 clinics – a 437% increase from 2023. This data also revealed that the price of botulinum toxin depended largely on the practitioner’s qualification.
The study suggests that there is a greater demand for botulinum toxin in the more deprived socioeconomic areas, where the practitioner density was 6.7% higher. However, access to specialist doctors is lower in the more socioeconomically deprived areas.
This suggests that more socioeconomically deprived communities are more likely to receive botulinum toxin from lower-cost, non-specialised practitioners, in non-clinical premises.
Growing rise of counterfeit weight-loss medications: how to spot unlicensed GLP-1 injections
The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) has responded to the growing concern surrounding counterfeit GLP-1 medications. According to Google Trends, searches for ‘Mounjaro dupe’ surged 100% in January.
The rapid rise of prescription weight-loss injections has created a poorly regulated grey market fuelled by unprecedented consumer demand.
Recent research from UCL, published in BMC Medicine and funded by Cancer Research UK, suggests that approximately 1.6 million adults in the UK have used GLP-1 weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, in the past year.
In response, BCAM has expanded its public safety campaign, Vet It Before You Get It, to explicitly include GLP-1 weight-loss medicines alongside cosmetic injectables.
BCAM’s advice is simple: if it’s not licensed, don’t use it. If you are unsure, pause and ask questions. If answers aren’t clear, walk away. BCAM advises that it is vital to educate patients on the safety implications surrounding counterfeit medications.
Government plans crackdown on illegal underage sunbed use to cut teen cancer risk
The Government has announced plans to crack down on illegal underage sunbed use, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks, as part of its forthcoming National Cancer Plan.
The Government has confirmed plans to strengthen sunbed regulations in England in a bid to reduce avoidable skin cancer risk among teenagers, following evidence that some tanning salons are continuing to flout the law by allowing under 18s to use sunbeds. The proposals, include a ban on unsupervised commercial sunbed use and the introduction of mandatory ID checks to verify users are over 18.
A public consultation is expected to launch in spring 2026, with new rules potentially coming into force as soon as 2027.
The Government confirmed the consultation will seek views from tanning businesses, to ensure any new requirements are proportionate and enforceable.
A separate call for evidence will also explore whether further action is needed to reduce melanoma cases.
NEWS IN BRIEF
HealthXchange launches a new e-pharmacy
Healthxchange has launched a new tech-enabled e-pharmacy designed to simplify how aesthetic clinicians discover, purchase and manage products online. The new e-pharmacy replaces the old platform with simpler navigation, faster checkout, mobile optimisation and multi-order transactions.
Wigmore Presents to host a dedicated & collaborative BAMAN nurse-led agenda
Wigmore Presents will host BAMAN’s inaugural nurse-led collaborative agenda on April 19, highlighting partnerships with the Association for Prescribers and the British
Dermatological Nursing Group. The programme features prescribing and dermatology updates, expert speakers, keynote Brandon Brock, and panel discussions chaired by Amy Bird. Supported by Wigmore Medical, the event promotes best practice and education. BAMAN nurse members receive a 20% discount.
Laboratoires Fillmed has announced the appointment of a clinical trainer for the Republic of Ireland
Dr Gráinne Ryan has been welcomed to Laboratoires Fillmed as a clinical trainer for the Republic of Ireland. Dr Ryan brings with her several years of clinical experience in aesthetic medicine and as a dental surgeon.
NEWS IN BRIEF
John Campbell appointed country manager for Hydrafacial UK, Ireland, and EMEA distribution markets
With nearly 20 years of experience in medical aesthetics, pharmaceuticals and the beauty industry, John Campbell brings deep sector knowledge and a proven track record of commercial leadership. In his new role, he will work closely with clinics and distribution partners, delivering education, practical tools, and growth strategies informed by real-world, hands-on experience.
The British College of Aesthetic Medicine announces 2026 in-person regional events
BCAM is hosting a series of in-person regional events in Glasgow on March 20, Bristol on March 27, London on April 14, Hale on April 16, Leeds on June 23, and Loughborough on September 11.
Croma releases results of the ATLAS project
Croma has released results from ATL AS (Aesthetic Techniques for Lifting and Skin quality), a project providing B2B and B2C tools highlighting the transformation process of Croma treatments.
FDA has accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) resubmission for Galderma’s RelabotulinumtoxinA
The FDA has accepted the BLA resubmission for Galderma’s RelabotulinumtoxinA for the temporary improvement of moderatetosevere glabellar lines and lateral canthal lines in adults. The data comprises four trials, enrolling more than 1,900 participants.
MHRA updates isotretinoin prescribing measures for patients under 18
The MHRA has amended measures to strengthen the safe use of the acne drug isotretinoin for patients across the UK.
On October 31, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) introduced several regulatory changes to strengthen the safe use of isotretinoin. This included additional safeguards when prescribing isotretinoin to patients under 18 years old.
Following a review, the MHRA released a statement, stating that the requirement for treatment of young people under 18 to be agreed by two-prescribers was found to be causing potential delays. Therefore, the Commission of Human Medicines has now recommended that healthcare professionals can prescribe isotretinoin to under-18s without a second prescriber.
ASA bans “safe tanning” and health claims in latest crackdown on sunbed advertising
The Advertising Standards Authority has banned multiple sunbed adverts for promoting “safe tanning” and health benefits, reinforcing its stance against misleading claims
The ASA has banned ads from five tanning-related advertisers after ruling that their marketing made misleading and irresponsible claims about sunbed safety and health benefits.
The rulings followed a proactive investigation using the regulator’s AI-powered Active Ad Monitoring system, which identifies online ads that may breach the CAP Code.
The ASA upheld complaints against The Sun Company, SunShine Co, Tanbox Towcester, Tan & Deliver Home Hire Sunbeds, and Byrokko, concluding that their ads falsely suggested that sunbed use was safe, beneficial to health, or capable of treating medical conditions.
The new bans follow the ASA’s high-profile 2025 ruling against Indigo Sun, the UK’s largest tanning salon chain, which was found to have made misleading and socially irresponsible health claims in a website advert.
The latest ASA rulings reinforce the watchdog’s position, signalling increased regulatory scrutiny of tanning-related advertising, particularly where claims intersect with health, wellbeing, and medical conditions.
57% of women worldwide say menopause-related skin changes make them feel anxious
A global survey of more than 4,300 peri-and post-menopausal women across nine countries has revealed that menopause can trigger multiple skin changes, yet awareness of these changes remains limited.
The survey findings were presented by pharmaceutical company Galderma at the International Master Course on Aging Science (IMCAS) 2026 in Paris.
According to the survey, women experienced an average of three skin changes during menopause, most commonly lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and elasticity, dryness, and a duller skin tone. On average, these changes were rated six out of 10 in severity, highlighting their impact on overall appearance.
The study also found that menopause-related skin changes affect emotional wellbeing, with women reporting feeling less attractive (60%), anxious (57%), less confident (55%), and less social (46%).
Among treatments and interventions explored, including lifestyle changes, supplements and traditional medicine, aesthetic treatments had the highest satisfaction in reducing the visible effects of menopause, according to the study.
Interest in aesthetic treatments was high, with 47% considering anti-wrinkle treatments, 41% filler, 39% hyaluronic acid for skin quality, and 30% biostimulators.
Almost £50,000 lost to social media beauty and aesthetics scams last year, Santander warns
Consumers across the UK lost almost £50,000 to beauty-related scams in 2025, with fraudsters targeting demand for cosmetic treatments such as botulinum toxin, lip fillers and collagen injections, as well as counterfeit makeup and perfumes.
Data released by major bank Santander shows that a total of £49,846.32 was stolen by beauty scammers last year, with victims losing an average of £227 each.
The bank said the figures highlight a growing problem, as criminals increasingly exploit social media and online platforms to promote fake products and non-existent treatments.
According to Santander, scams ranged from counterfeit cosmetics to fraudulent offers for injectable procedures and other aesthetic treatments.
Social media played a major role in the scams, with 33% taking place on Facebook and 25% on Instagram.
The CTPA urged consumers to remain cautious around low prices, flash-sales, or sellers that cannot be verified through official brand websites.
New study suggests that microbiota replacement could rejuvenate ageing intestinal stem cells
Research from Cincinnati Children’s and Ulm University in Germany has demonstrated that transferring young microbiota to the intestines of older mice helps boost the stem cells that produce new tissue, accelerating the healing process in damaged intestines.
The findings from this study suggest that younger microbiota can prompt an older intestine to heal faster and function more like a younger intestine.
The series of experiments involving mouse models demonstrated that ageing altered the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, which weakened key signals that intestinal stem cells rely on to renew the gut lining. As a result, these stem cells lost some of their ability to regenerate tissue. The decline was reversed when older microbiota were replaced with younger microbiota.
The researchers emphasised that these beneficial effects cannot be achieved with over-the-counter products. The findings were observed from the use of a carefully controlled, complex mix of gut bacteria, delivered through fecal microbiota transfer.
Despite the study’s success amongst the rat models, further research is required to confirm the efficacy and safety in humans.
Filler dissolving appointments outpace traditional filler growth
New data from software brand Fresha has revealed a growing trend in filler dissolving treatments, which are increasing at more than twice the rate of traditional filler appointments.
Between 2024 and 2025, filler bookings rose 1.7% to 281,595, while filler dissolving appointments grew 3.7% to 16,437. Google Trends mirrors this pattern: global searches for “filler” are up 15% annually but have recently dipped, whereas “filler dissolving” searches rose 17%, with over 21,000 searches in the past month.
Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at Fresha, explained the shift: “People aren’t abandoning injectables, but are more willing to reverse treatments that no longer suit their goals. Public discussions by high-profile figures help normalise adjustments, showing cosmetic treatments can evolve over time.”
The data suggests “filler fatigue” conversations are influencing consumer behaviour, with more patients considering refinements or reversals as part of their aesthetic journey.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Dr Vanita Rattan launches science-led facial designed exclusively for skin of colour.
The new 50-minute Glow Facial combines 12 exclusive formulations with gentle microneedling, mild chemical exfoliation and radiofrequency to safely treat skin of colour. Using controlled heat and cooling, it targets hyperpigmentation and ageing while minimising irritation, and is delivered by specially trained professionals.
The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) is recruiting for two senior leadership roles
The JCCP has announced the recruitment of two senior leadership roles: executive chair, and registrar and chair of education and training, offering an opportunity to influence patient safety, professional standards, and aesthetics education.
Galderma launches the first Optimal Balance Technology (OBT)based hyaluronic acid injectables authorised in Japan
OBT is designed to smooth facial wrinkles and folds while moving naturally with facial expressions. Restylane, Defyne, and Restylane Refyne are now commercially available in Japan.
Alyval wins two major awards for innovation in women’s intimate health
Alyval, distributed by 4T Medical, has received two accolades at The Menopause Awards 2016: Best Intimate Health Product and Menopause Product Innovation of the Year, acknowledging Alyval’s innovative, evidence-based contribution to women’s intimate care.