Private clinics carrying out procedures such as Botox injections and teeth whitening are to be regulated from next year, the Scottish Government has announced. Legislation is to be brought in at Holyrood to allow Healthcare Improvement Scotland to start regulating private clinics where non-surgical cosmetic procedures are carried out from April.

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There is currently no regulation for such centres – which also offer procedures such as laser eye surgery and dermal fillers – anywhere in the UK.

Around one in five Scots have either had a private cosmetic procedure or have thought about having one. Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: ‘Cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, have increased massively in popularity over the last few years.

‘Many people are not aware that there is no regulation of independent clinics who provide non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

‘There are many reputable practitioners in Scotland, but unfortunately there are others who do not live up to those high standards.

‘That can lead to complications after procedures, sometimes leaving the customer with lasting injuries. By introducing a sound system of regulation and inspection we hope to reduce those instances.’