Licence rules for Botox and lip fillers

These rules apply in England. The medicines and advertising rules apply across the UK.

Who can inject Botox

Use only botulinum toxin products authorised for sale in the UK.

Dermal fillers

A complication can need hyaluronidase to dissolve a filler, so arrange access to a prescriber before you offer fillers.

Treating under-18s

The ban covers lip filler and every other cosmetic filler injection. The exception turns on who treats, not why. A medical reason does not help unless a doctor, or a nurse, dentist or pharmacist on a doctor's directions, does the treatment.

Directors, managers and similar officers of a company are also liable if the offence happened with their consent or through their neglect.

Judging age by appearance is unlikely to count as a reasonable step. Checking photo ID, such as a passport or photocard driving licence, is the clearest way to show you took one.

Planned licensing in England

Premises where you treat clients

No national premises licence covers injectable treatments. Council registration under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 covers tattooing, semi-permanent skin-colouring, cosmetic piercing and electrolysis, not injectables.

Some councils license special treatment premises under local Acts, including London boroughs that apply the London Local Authorities Act 1991. That Act does not name injectables, but its list ends with "special treatment of a like kind", so each borough decides. Ask your council whether your premises need a licence before you take bookings.

Insurance for your business

Tell your insurer which treatments you offer, including Botox and fillers, so your policy covers them. If you employ anyone, employers' liability insurance is compulsory.

Advertising Botox and fillers

Promote the consultation, not the product. Wording such as "a consultation for the treatment of lines and wrinkles" is acceptable, and your website can mention Botox as an option after a consultation. The ASA treats Botox in your first advert, homepage, logo, testimonials or hover text as advertising a prescription-only medicine.

You can advertise cosmetic fillers by that name if the advert does not refer to or imply Botox.

Where to get help

Your local council covers premises licences and, through Trading Standards, age checks. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) covers advert wording. The MHRA covers prescribing and unlicensed Botox.