Understanding the NMC’s New Botox Prescription Laws
- Juvenology Clinic
- May 1
- 7 min read
Updated: May 9
Key Takeaways
Face-to-Face Consultations Are Now Required: Starting in June 2025, a face-to-face consultation will be mandatory before receiving Botox treatments. This change is in response to growing concerns about unlicensed practitioners and the need for better patient safety.
The Dangers of Counterfeit Botox: Over 15.5 million doses of illegal medicines, including counterfeit aesthetic products like fake Botox, were seized in the UK in 2023. This highlights a significant rise in unregulated treatments and the need for qualified practitioners to ensure the safety of every client.
Informed Consent Is Key: Research shows that 81% of patients who complained about their treatments didn’t give proper consent, and 76% weren’t told which products were being used. A proper consultation should include a thorough discussion of risks, benefits, and aftercare instructions, don’t skip this step!
Stay Safe and Ask Questions: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. 2,824 complaints were made to Save Face in 2022 alone about unregistered practitioners and botched treatments. Always ask about the products used, the practitioner's qualifications, and the clinic's safety standards. Your safety should always come first.
Introduction
So, let’s break it down together. From June 2025, if you're thinking about getting Botox, you’ll need to have a face-to-face consultation with a qualified nurse prescriber or medical professional before anything is prescribed.
Why? Because the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has updated its guidance to make sure every client is assessed in person, not online, not over the phone, and definitely not through a quick DM on Instagram.
This isn’t just red tape. It’s a serious step forward for public safety. The new rules are designed to stop risky practices like remote prescribing where someone you’ve never actually met could prescribe something as serious as Botox, without ever seeing your skin, expressions, or even knowing your medical history. Shocking, isn’t it?
Unfortunately, research found that many people didn’t even realise they were receiving a prescribed medicine during certain aesthetic procedures. Some treatments were happening in unregulated environments, sometimes without proper training or even medical oversight. And that’s exactly what the NMC is trying to fix with this updated position.
From now on, there’ll be a clear standard across the UK: no prescription without a consultation, and no consultation without seeing your practitioner in person. That means more transparency, better outcomes, and greater trust between you and your aesthetic provider.
At Juvenology Clinic in Maidstone, we’re already doing this as standard practice. Every new client gets a full, thoughtful in-person consultation, where we can really chat about your goals, explore the best options for your face and features, and make sure you feel confident in the process.
But Why Now? What Prompted the Change in Botox Regulations
You might be wondering, why is this happening now? What’s prompted such a firm shift in how Botox are prescribed across the UK?
Well, after listening to both professionals and the public, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) found some unsettling truths. Many people had received anti-wrinkle injections without fully understanding that they were being prescribed regulated medicines. In some cases, the prescriber never even saw them in person.
Even more concerning, these procedures were sometimes carried out in unregulated settings, by individuals without the proper qualifications or training. That means treatments were happening in pop-up parties or even someone’s living room without any clear medical oversight. As a nurse, this really worries me.
Statistics on Non-Surgical Aesthetic Treatment Risks and Safety
Risk Factor | Estimated Incidents/Reports | Source/Comment |
Botched Treatments Due to Inexperienced Providers | Approximately 20-30% of incidents involve undertrained practitioners | Aesthetic Medicine Survey |
Complications from Improper Injection Technique (Botox & Fillers) | 5-10% of treatments can result in mild complications like bruising, swelling | American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) |
Infections from Fillers (due to non-sterile environments) | 2-5% risk in unregulated settings | British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) |
Severe Reactions (e.g., necrosis, vision impairment) | Less than 1% (typically in highly unusual or extreme cases) | National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) |
Safety Increase in Regulated Environments | Up to 95% reduction in incidents when done by licensed, experienced professionals | General data from the UK's CQC (Care Quality Commission) and Aesthetic Medicine Safety Reports |
There was also a false sense of accessibility. Some people thought these treatments were so casual like getting your nails done that they didn’t realise the level of risk involved when prescription-only medicines are used without proper checks. But Botox, for example, isn’t just a beauty product. It’s a potent neurotoxin that needs to be handled with clinical care and respect.
In 2022, the UK safety body Save Face received over 2,800 complaints about botched cosmetic procedures and unregistered practitioners. That’s not just a number, that’s thousands of real people who’ve been left hurt, disappointed, or even disfigured by treatments gone wrong.
Oh my goodness, this one really worries me, more than 15.5 million illegal medicine doses were seized in the UK recently, and that includes counterfeit aesthetic products like fake Botox. It’s shocking, isn’t it? It just shows how easily unsafe and unregulated substances can slip into the market, especially when treatments are being offered outside proper clinical settings. I always say, if you’re thinking about getting something like Botox injections, it’s so important to go somewhere where you know exactly what’s being used, where it came from, and that your practitioner is medically qualified. Your face is too precious to risk with dodgy products. If you’re ever unsure, I’d much rather you ask a million questions than end up in unsafe hands.
By updating their stance on remote prescribing, the NMC is saying loud and clear: your safety matters more than convenience. These treatments deserve the same high standard of care as any other area of medicine. That means face-to-face assessments, honest conversations, and being absolutely sure the person treating you is qualified, experienced, and accountable.
The Rise of Counterfeit Botox in the UK
In the UK, authorities have flagged a number of serious incidents involving unlicensed cosmetic providers offering cheap treatments using imported or unverified products. These procedures are often carried out in non-clinical settings like hotel rooms or even someone’s kitchen with little to no medical oversight. The risks are high, and in some cases, the consequences have been devastating.
One notable case involved a so-called “cosmetic doctor” with no medical credentials, who was convicted after using counterfeit cosmetic injectables that caused severe swelling, burns, and long-term tissue damage. His clients believed they were getting a professional service, but the products he used were illegally obtained online and completely unregulated.
Unfortunately, stories like these aren’t isolated. The lack of consistency in aesthetic regulation has led to a rise in rogue practitioners exploiting public trust and the public's desire for quick, affordable treatments. Many people aren’t even aware that Botox is a prescription-only medicine and that, by law, it must be prescribed following a proper consultation by a qualified healthcare professional.
How to Stay Safe: Choosing Regulated Clinics in the UK
To reduce your risk and ensure your safety, here’s what to look out for:
Ensure your treatment is prescribed after a face-to-face consultation in line with the new NMC guidelines.
Ask about the products being used and where they’re sourced from. Reputable clinics use licensed UK pharmacies.
Avoid mobile injectors, pop-up clinics, or “Botox parties”. Treatments should only be done in regulated clinics with medical-grade hygiene standards.
Research the clinic’s reputation. Look for verified reviews, professional affiliations, and CQC registration where applicable.
At Juvenology Clinic, we’ve always been committed to ensuring your safety and satisfaction come first. From face-to-face consultations to custom treatment plans tailored specifically for you, we believe in a personal, transparent approach. Every step is designed with your wellbeing in mind, from the moment you walk through the door to the follow-up care we offer to ensure your results are nothing short of amazing.
With the NMC’s updated guidelines, we’re confident that non-surgical aesthetic procedures are now safer than ever and we’re proud to be a part of that movement. It’s reassuring to know that all Botox injections and dermal filler treatments will be delivered with the highest standards, providing you with the confidence that your care is in safe hands.
About Me
Hi, I’m Nurse Marina, and I’m so glad you’re here! I founded Juvenology Clinic in Kent to bring a truly personalized approach to botox, dermal fillers, skincare, and overall wellness.
Before transitioning into aesthetics, I spent 6 years as a Cardiac Nurse at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone, where I developed a deep understanding of anatomy. I then honed my skills as a Specialist Aesthetics Nurse at Spencer Private Hospital in Kent.
I’m a proud member of professional organizations like JCCP, BAMAN, NMC, ACE Group, and the Royal College of Nursing. I want to make sure that every treatment I deliver is backed by the latest knowledge and techniques in medical aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I really need a face-to-face consultation for Botox?
Yes, from June 2025, all prescribers must carry out a face-to-face consultation before prescribing Botox. This new rule is designed to protect your safety and ensure the treatment is right for you.
2. Why is remote prescribing no longer allowed?
Too many people were receiving injectable treatments without proper medical checks. The new guidance helps ensure a full assessment is done in person, so your practitioner can check for contraindications, discuss your goals, and make sure you’re fully informed.
3. What are the risks of getting Botox from an unlicensed practitioner?
Honestly, it’s just not worth the risk. You could be injected with counterfeit Botox, receive the wrong dosage, or even suffer from complications like infection, bruising, or nerve damage. Always check your injector is trained, insured, and uses licensed UK pharmacies.
4. How can I tell if someone is properly qualified to do cosmetic injectables?
Look for someone who is a registered nurse, doctor, or dentist with training in aesthetic medicine. They should be listed with a professional body like the NMC, GMC, or Save Face. Don’t be afraid to ask what products they use and where they get them from!
5. What should happen during a proper Botox consultation?
You should have a full medical consultation, including questions about your health, medications, and expectations. Your aesthetic practitioner should explain the risks, benefits, and aftercare advice and give you time to ask any questions before moving ahead.
6. Are there any red flags I should look out for?
Yes! Be wary if:
The practitioner can’t explain the product they’re using
There’s no consultation or paperwork
They’re operating from a non-clinical environment (like a hotel or someone’s kitchen!)
The price seems too good to be true
7. Is it true that lots of people don’t even know Botox is a prescription medicine?
It is! Research shows many clients don’t realise Botox is prescription-only, which means it should always be prescribed by a qualified professional after a proper consultation. This is why education and regulation are so important.