CQC STANDARDS FOR AESTHETICS & COSMETIC SURGERY: DO YOU NEED TO REGISTER?
Evolving Regulations in the Aesthetics Industry
Regulations in the aesthetics industry are changing, and CQC registration is set to become mandatory for more procedures. The UK government is reviewing licensing requirements, and many treatments currently unregulated could soon require CQC oversight.
If you’re an aesthetics clinic or practitioner, it’s crucial to understand if and when you need to register - before it becomes a compliance issue.
What Treatments Require CQC Registration?
Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, surgical procedures are defined as those performed by healthcare professionals for the treatment of disease, disorder, or injury—or for cosmetic reasons.
The challenge? There’s no clear legal definition of “cosmetic surgery,” leaving many clinics uncertain about their registration requirements.
You can find out more about the Department of Health and Social Care's licencing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures and the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) response here.
Currently, you must be cqc registered if you provide
✔ Surgical cosmetic procedures (e.g., breast augmentation, facelifts, tummy tucks, nose surgery, or any procedure involving implants)
✔ Liposuction, including laser lipolysis
✔ Refractive eye surgery or lens implants
✔ Thread lifting (when performed by a healthcare professional)
If your clinic only offers the following treatments, you do not yet need to register (but this may change soon)
✖ Botox or dermal filler injections
✖ Chemical peels
✖ Laser & ipl treatments (e.g., hair removal, skin rejuvenation)
✖ Non-surgical thread lifting by non-healthcare professionals
⚠️ Important: With regulations under review, many aesthetic treatments could soon require CQC registration. If you don’t act early, you could face delays—or even be forced to pause treatments while waiting for approval.
STAY UPDATED ON REGULATORY CHANGES
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cqc registration with baxcqc: get ahead of the curve
CQC registration can take up to 9 months, with several stages required by the CQC. At BAXCQC, we help aesthetics clinics and practitioners navigate the process quickly, smoothly, and with confidence.
Why choose baxcqc?
Expert Support
Compliance Made Easy
Ongoing CQC Compliance
CQC validation isn’t just about legal requirements - it’s a trust signal for your clients. A CQC registered clinic demonstrates high standards of care, patient safety, and professionalism, helping you attract and retain more clients.