Unregulated cosmetic surgery clinics are thriving in London, offering vulnerable clients quick treatments for low prices, leaving regulated surgeons to “clean up the mess” left by poorly trained, unregulated practitioners.
“These clinics lure patients with promises of great results at low costs,” Dr Fawaz Al-Hassani, a registered plastic surgeon in London, told City News.
But, he said, the reality is far from it.
“I’ve come across life-threatening complications … all because of poorly done procedures by people who simply don’t know what they’re doing.”
He pointed out shocking cases where patients had risky treatments in areas like the face and buttocks, ending up with nasty infections and sepsis.
He has even seen people go blind from botched fillers.
Undercover investigation reveals a nationwide problem
A recent undercover investigation by ITV News revealed alarming practices at one of the clinics in London, where a practitioner with only a few hours of training was performing high-risk cosmetic procedures, as the investigation claims. ITV News has presented these concerns to the that clinic, but they declined to respond to the safety issues raised.
Footage from the investigation showed a woman bleeding profusely during a procedure – a chilling example of the risks patients face when seeking treatments from unregulated practitioners.
The investigation revealed a broader issue in the UK’s cosmetic industry, where insufficient regulation and misleading advertising are putting thousands at risk.
Unregulated clinics and dangerous procedures
According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), as of 2023, approximately 717 plastic surgeons are practicing in the UK.
Additionally, there are 6,117 clinics regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) that offer some form of aesthetic treatment.
Although the BAAPS released a statement urging patients to seek treatments only from qualified professionals in CQC-regulated clinics or hospitals where complications can be properly managed, the industry remains dangerously unregulated.
Misleading titles and public confusion
A key issue fuelling the problem is the unregulated use of titles such as “cosmetic surgeon”, said Dr Fawaz.
Unlike plastic surgeons, who undergo rigorous training and certification, anyone can claim the title of “cosmetic surgeon” without proper qualifications.
“Many patients don’t know how to differentiate between a properly trained plastic surgeon and someone with minimal training,” he explained. “This gap leaves them vulnerable to unsafe practices.”
A national ‘scandal’ in the making
Dr Fawaz described the situation as a “scandal”, saying there is mounting pressure in the regulated industry to “clean up the mess” left by untrained practitioners.
He described a recent case where a patient suffered severe complications after receiving unapproved silicone injections in the gluteal area.
“The material caused a serious infection and sepsis, which required emergency hospital treatment,” he said.
“These types of cases not only harm patients but also place additional strain on the NHS,” he said.
Now, the BAAPS has called the government for stricter regulations for cosmetic surgery clinics and practitioners, to avoid a full-scale crisis.
“Patients must do their research and ensure their practitioner is properly qualified,” Dr Fawaz said.
“Regulation and education are the only ways to protect the public and restore trust in the industry.”
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HeadlineBehind the beauty: The deadly risks of unregulated cosmetic procedures in London
Short HeadlineThe deadly risks of unregulated cosmetic procedures in London
StandfirstFor every regulated cosmetic clinic, there are reportedly up to three unregulated ones operating across the UK
Unregulated cosmetic surgery clinics are thriving in London, offering vulnerable clients quick treatments for low prices, leaving regulated surgeons to “clean up the mess” left by poorly trained, unregulated practitioners.
“These clinics lure patients with promises of great results at low costs,” Dr Fawaz Al-Hassani, a registered plastic surgeon in London, told City News.
But, he said, the reality is far from it.
“I’ve come across life-threatening complications … all because of poorly done procedures by people who simply don’t know what they’re doing.”
He pointed out shocking cases where patients had risky treatments in areas like the face and buttocks, ending up with nasty infections and sepsis.
He has even seen people go blind from botched fillers.
Undercover investigation reveals a nationwide problem
A recent undercover investigation by ITV News revealed alarming practices at one of the clinics in London, where a practitioner with only a few hours of training was performing high-risk cosmetic procedures, as the investigation claims. ITV News has presented these concerns to the that clinic, but they declined to respond to the safety issues raised.
Footage from the investigation showed a woman bleeding profusely during a procedure – a chilling example of the risks patients face when seeking treatments from unregulated practitioners.
The investigation revealed a broader issue in the UK’s cosmetic industry, where insufficient regulation and misleading advertising are putting thousands at risk.
Unregulated clinics and dangerous procedures
According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), as of 2023, approximately 717 plastic surgeons are practicing in the UK.
Additionally, there are 6,117 clinics regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) that offer some form of aesthetic treatment.
Although the BAAPS released a statement urging patients to seek treatments only from qualified professionals in CQC-regulated clinics or hospitals where complications can be properly managed, the industry remains dangerously unregulated.
Misleading titles and public confusion
A key issue fuelling the problem is the unregulated use of titles such as “cosmetic surgeon”, said Dr Fawaz.
Unlike plastic surgeons, who undergo rigorous training and certification, anyone can claim the title of “cosmetic surgeon” without proper qualifications.
“Many patients don’t know how to differentiate between a properly trained plastic surgeon and someone with minimal training,” he explained. “This gap leaves them vulnerable to unsafe practices.”
A national ‘scandal’ in the making
Dr Fawaz described the situation as a “scandal”, saying there is mounting pressure in the regulated industry to “clean up the mess” left by untrained practitioners.
He described a recent case where a patient suffered severe complications after receiving unapproved silicone injections in the gluteal area.
“The material caused a serious infection and sepsis, which required emergency hospital treatment,” he said.
“These types of cases not only harm patients but also place additional strain on the NHS,” he said.
Now, the BAAPS has called the government for stricter regulations for cosmetic surgery clinics and practitioners, to avoid a full-scale crisis.
“Patients must do their research and ensure their practitioner is properly qualified,” Dr Fawaz said.
“Regulation and education are the only ways to protect the public and restore trust in the industry.”
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