NEWS AND ANALYSIS

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Scottish Parliament agrees to regulate non-surgical procedures

The Scottish Parliament has agreed to pass a new law increasing restrictions on non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including botulinum toxin and filler. The legislation’s main purpose is to regulate the industry following growing concerns surrounding the rise of botched procedures that risk patient safety.

The Bill proposes that the defined procedures will only be permitted in registered healthcare settings, such as clinics or hospitals, and not in private homes. Furthermore, it prohibits individuals under the age of 18 from receiving these procedures. On Tuesday 17 March, the Scottish Government debated final amendments and voted to pass the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill. This means certain procedures must be carried out by registered healthcare professionals – such as doctors, dentists, nurses, and pharmacists – or those under their qualified oversight.

The regulated list includes ablative lasers, chemical peels, dermal microcoring, and injectable procedures. As of September 2027, it will be a criminal offence to provide these services without registration, outside of permitted premises, or to minors, with fines reaching £20,000.

71% of UK adults have high awareness of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, ASA survey finds

The ASA and CAP have released a new consumer research report and enforcement report, following growing public consciousness surrounding GLP-1 weight loss medications.

The new report found that 71% of the UK population have “functional” or “high” knowledge of GLP-1 products.

The report also found that only 20% of the UK population said they were happy with how their body looked, with just over two-fifths of respondents stating they had tried at least one weight loss method.As part of the research, participants were shown a weight loss ad and asked questions about their perceptions.

Across the 12 examples of weight loss treatment ads, 10% of the UK population thought ads were promoting weight loss injections; this percentage rose to 29% when participants were prompted with a list of potential products or services that may be being advertised.

The research found that certain prompts made participants more likely to interpret the ads as being for injections.

From these ads, on average, 44% of the UK population thought the weight loss treatment ads were trying to encourage them to purchase the product or service. The majority of participants felt that these weight loss treatment ads put pressure on people to lose weight.

The ASA’s recent enforcement report revealed that, from these assessments, the ASA has identified around 900 ads likely to breach the rules.

In 2026, the ASA has plans to continue monitoring and enforcement, including issuing new rulings where precedent is still developing. This surrounds current grey areas, including influencer and affiliate advertising and promotional pricing.

The ASA has plans to further engage with the aesthetics industry to ensure that advertisers understand their responsibilities and comply with the law and guidance.

Rise of unregulated Harley Street pop-up clinics raises concerns for patient safety

Harley Street is world-renowned for providing excellence in private healthcare; however, the rise of “Harley Street pop-ups” and “tweakment hotels” is damaging the hub’s reputation and posing a risk to patient safety.

According to Save Face, complaints about unqualified practitioners carrying out procedures in temporary facilities on Harley Street have risen from 18 to 118 in the last five years.

Patients are drawn into the luxurious London spot through social media, where rogue practitioners advertise bargain deals across popular treatments, including botulinum toxin, fillers, and higher risk procedures such as non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs).

Speaking to The Standard, cosmetics physician, Dr Sach Mohan explains, ”The biggest issue with the tweakement industry is the false sense of security non-healthcare professionals have when they do one-day courses.”

Ashton Collins, director of Save Faceexplained that the practitioners, “do not have a fixed address. It’s just a room for hire. When things inevitably go wrong, and the patient tries reaching out to the practitioner, they get fobbed off and blocked.”

Save The Face has received complaints ranging from facial disfigurement to potentially life-threatening infections.

FDA approves second GLP-1 weight loss pill

The FDA has officially approved Eli Lilly’s Foundayo (orforglipron), marking a significant milestone as the first GLP-1 weight loss pill that can be taken at any time of day without food or water restrictions. This flexibility addresses a major hurdle for patients who previously struggled with the strict fasting requirements of oral semaglutide. In clinical trials involving over 4,500 participants, the medication proved highly effective, delivering an average weight loss of 11% to 12.4% at the highest dose over 72 weeks.

Beyond weight reduction, Foundayo also improved key cardiovascular markers, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

While common side effects like nausea and indigestion were reported, its ease of use is expected to broaden access for those wary of injections.

Although now FDA-approved, Foundayo is not yet available in the UK, as it awaits local regulatory decisions following submissions in over 40 global markets.

BAMAN announces leadership changes, appointing new CEO and board directors

The British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses (BAMAN) has announced team changes and updates to its board of directors, appointing Gareth Lewis as BAMAN CEO and Anna Baker as BAMAN vice chair.

After a decade at BAMAN, Gareth Lewis has been appointed CEO, moving away from his role of chief operating officer.

Aesthetic nurse, Anna Baker, has been appointed BAMAN vice chair, after over a decade of membership, and chairing the education and training committee.

Anna is a passionate advocate for education, raising standards and nurses’ voices, working across exciting projects, and supporting BAMAN throughout its next chapter.

BAMAN also took to Instagram to announce the latest additions to the BAMAN board of directors. This announcement appointed Julie Brackenbury, Helen Blanchard and Kelly Saynor as co-opted company directors, who will be formally approved at the upcoming annual general meeting.

BAMAN has also appointed two new non-executive directors, Emma Wedgwood and Fiona Wondergem.

Make sure you visit BAMAN’s Spring Symposium at Aesthetic Medicine London on 8-9 May 2026.

Collagen supplements improve skin elasticity and hydration but are “not a cure-all”, new review finds

A major umbrella review of 113 trials involving nearly 8,000 participants has found that collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity and hydration, as well as reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. However, researchers emphasise that collagen is not a “quick fix” for wrinkles and does not significantly improve skin roughness. The study, led by Anglia Ruskin University and published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, analysed 16 meta-analyses to provide one of the most comprehensive assessments to date. Findings suggest collagen works best as a long-term, “inside-out” approach to skin health rather than a cosmetic solution.

Lead researcher Professor Lee Smith said collagen offers “credible benefits” when used consistently, particularly for healthy ageing. However, experts caution that factors such as UV exposure, smoking and diet also play major roles in skin condition.

While supplements may ease joint pain and stiffness, researchers and nutritionists urge consumers to be cautious about cost and marketing claims, noting that more robust studies are still needed.

New British College of Cosmetic Surgery launches

A new, profession-led body, the British College of Cosmetic Surgery, has launched to set a recognised national benchmark for excellence in cosmetic surgery practice.

Amid rising demand for procedures, the College will introduce a rigorous Fellowship pathway to ensure surgeons demonstrate competence, transparency and accountability, regardless of specialty background.

The founding board includes Ashish Dutta, Ian Morgan, Alexandra Chambers, Marboor Bhatty and Sayani Sainudeen, bringing expertise across surgery and education.

The Fellowship is open to UK surgeons, including those not on the GMC specialist register in plastic surgery, offering an independent route to demonstrate competency.

The pathway includes a structured educational programme at the Royal Society of Medicine, a written exam, case logbook, clinical assessment with live surgery observation, and a final oral exam.

Successful candidates are awarded Fellowship status and formal accreditation.

Boots 2026 Trends Report shows consumer focus on wellness, neurocosmetics and professional influencers

Boots’ sixth annual Trends Report highlights how wellness is now central to everyday routines. Based on data from over 17 million Advantage Card users, it shows 40% of consumers see wellness as essential to their beauty regime, while 84% feel they look better when they feel well.

The report identifies a shift toward holistic, preventative care. Around 60% prioritise healthy ageing, and 80% focus on long-term maintenance over reactive solutions. Demand for supplements like collagen and adaptogens is rising sharply, reflecting growing interest in internal health.

Technology is also shaping wellness habits, with AI and personalised tools guiding choices and wearable devices supporting self-improvement. At the same time, consumers are seeking emotional well-being through mood-enhancing products and stress-management solutions.

Environmental pressures are influencing routines, driving demand for protection against pollution, UV exposure and climate change. Overall, wellness is becoming a fully integrated, proactive approach to health.

BEWS IN BRIEF

DD Group acquires aesthetics supplier and pharmacy Fox Pharma

UK-based aesthetics supplier and pharmacy, Fox Pharma, has been acquired by DD Group – a leading UK and ROI-based supplier of dental and medical aesthetics products, equipment, and services, alongside its aesthetics brand Medfx.

Galderma presentations highlight diverse skin solutions and the potential of artificial intelligence

Galderma will present studies at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting 2026, highlighting advances in atopic dermatitis, acne, skincare and aesthetics, including AI-driven insights, pediatric data, and innovations across its therapeutic and injectable portfolios.

CACI announces newest KOL, Dr Paris Acharya

Dr Paris Acharya is the latest medical expert to launch CACI Rejuva Med into their clinic, marking the brand’s move into medical aesthetics. Clinic Dr Paris, located in London’s Marylebone Village, is a destination for regenerative and longevity-led aesthetics.

Phorest expands into aesthetics sector with new consultation-led clinic management tools

Phorest has announced the launch of new tools catered to aesthetic professionals, designed to support consultation-led care, professional standards and consistent clinic operations.

Restylane Contour approved in the US for the correction of temple hollowing

Galderma has received US FDA approval for Restylane Contour to treat temple hollowing, expanding its indications. Clinical data showed natural-looking results lasting up to 18 months, reinforcing the brand’s growing injectable aesthetics portfolio.

Skingevity launches as new UK medical aesthetics clinic group

Newly informed medical aesthetics group, Skingevity, is founded by Andrea Agnolio and Enrico Ghio. Partnering with leading doctors and clinics that share a commitment to clinical excellence and customer service.

InMode UK & Ireland Accelerates Growth with Key Leadership Appointments

InMode UK & Ireland enters a new growth phase, appointing Caroline Abrego as Marketing Director and Dr Anda Bergmane as Clinical Education Manager, strengthening strategy, practitioner support, and training to drive innovation, elevate standards, and expand its market presence.