Liquid BBLs could become doctors only, and high-risk cosmetic treatments banned for under-18s, under new plans for England

Liquid BBLs: doctors only

Under the plans, filler injected into any part of the body other than the face, including liquid Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs), would legally count as cosmetic surgery. So only doctors could do it.

Other high-risk treatments: prescribers only

A list of other high-risk treatments could only be done by doctors, dentists, and nurses, midwives and pharmacists who are independent prescribers. It includes deep chemical peels, dermal microcoring, intravenous drips, some laser and intense pulsed light treatments, non-resorbable facial fillers, subcision and blood procedures like platelet rich plasma (PRP), the so-called vampire facial. And clinics offering them would need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Banned for under-18s

These treatments would also be banned for under-18s, unless they're done on the NHS or to treat a medical condition. Botox and fillers for cosmetic reasons are already banned for under-18s, under a 2021 law.

If providers break the rules

Letting someone who isn't approved do one of these treatments, or doing one on someone under 18, would be a criminal offence, with an unlimited fine or a £4,000 fixed penalty for the provider. And offering them without CQC registration could mean an unlimited fine, up to 12 months in prison, or both.

Botox and lip filler

Botox, lip filler and other lower-risk treatments aren't part of this. They'll come under a separate licensing scheme for clinics, which is still planned.

Have your say

The consultation is open to clinicians, regulators, businesses and the public until 11:59pm on 13 January 2027, and the rules are planned to go through Parliament in spring 2027.