Choosing the Right Practitioner — A Patient’s Checklist

Last updated: 5 March 2026

Selecting the right aesthetic practitioner is the single most important decision you will make in your aesthetic journey. In the UK, the industry remains only partially regulated. The Keogh Review (2013) highlighted significant gaps that persist today, though the JCCP and CPSA have improved standards voluntarily.

Professional Qualifications and Registration

Regulatory Body Registration

Legitimate practitioners will be registered with:

• General Medical Council (GMC) — for doctors at gmc-uk.org
• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) — for nurse prescribers at nmc.org.uk
• General Dental Council (GDC) — for dentists at gdc-uk.org
• General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) — for pharmacist prescribers

Dr Tapan Patel of PHI Clinic emphasises: “Registration means the practitioner is subject to fitness-to-practise proceedings if standards are breached. This accountability is your most important safety net.”

Specialist Training

1. Postgraduate diploma or MSc in Aesthetic Medicine
2. BCAM fellowship or membership
3. HEE Level 7 aesthetic practice qualification
4. Manufacturer-specific advanced training
5. Regular conference attendance (ACE, CCR, AMWC)

Clinic Standards

Physical Environment

• Clean treatment rooms with appropriate lighting and hygiene protocols
• Emergency equipment — adrenaline, hyaluronidase, oxygen, defibrillator
• Sharps disposal and proper clinical waste protocols
• Refrigerated product storage where required
• Privacy — adequate consultation and treatment privacy

Insurance

• Medical malpractice insurance
• CQC registration if performing regulated activities
• JCCP or CPSA voluntary registration

The Consultation Process

A safe practitioner will:

1. Take a comprehensive medical history
2. Perform a thorough facial assessment
3. Discuss all viable options, including no treatment
4. Explain risks honestly
5. Provide a cooling-off period (48 hours returning, two weeks new patients)
6. Obtain informed, written consent
7. Never pressure you into treatment

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

• Treatment in non-clinical settings (homes, hotels, beauty salons)
• Refusal to disclose qualifications
• No medical history taken
• Discounted same-day treatment or “party” injections
• Only before photos shown — no genuine before-and-after pairs
• Cannot name the product, brand, and batch number
• No emergency protocols
• Aggressive social media marketing with unrealistic claims

Questions to Ask

Dr Sophie Shotter recommends:

1. What are your qualifications and aesthetic training?
2. Are you registered with the GMC, NMC, or GDC?
3. How many times have you performed this procedure?
4. What product will you use, and why?
5. How do you manage complications?
6. Do you carry medical indemnity insurance?
7. What follow-up care is provided?
8. Can I see your own patients’ before-and-after photos?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beauticians legally perform treatments in the UK?

No legal requirement exists for filler qualifications in England (Scotland and Wales have licensing). The JCCP and BCAM strongly recommend healthcare professionals only. A licensing scheme for England is committed but timelines are unclear.

What is the Save Face register?

A government-approved national register of accredited practitioners independently assessed against rigorous clinical and ethical standards.

Should I choose based on price?

Strongly discouraged. Below-market pricing may indicate cheaper products, insufficient training, or lack of insurance. Treat pricing as one factor among many.

Patient Safety Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Always verify practitioner credentials directly with the relevant regulatory body before proceeding with any treatment.