Profiling UK injectable aesthetic practitioners: A national cohort analysis

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic Medicine
• Medical Regulation
• Healthcare Workforce Analysis

Background:

• The United Kingdom (UK) injectables market is experiencing rapid growth.
• There is a notable lack of robust regulation within the UK injectables industry.
• Information on the professional profiles of practitioners offering aesthetic interventions is currently unavailable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a descriptive and qualitative analysis of advertised aesthetic practitioners across the UK.
• To identify the professional backgrounds and registration status of individuals performing injectable aesthetic procedures.

Main Methods:

• A systematic internet search using Google was performed for aesthetic practitioners in England, Scotland, and Wales.
• A qualitative descriptive analysis was conducted on the identified practitioners.
• Practitioners' professional registration details were cross-referenced with regulatory bodies.

Main Results:

• 3,667 practitioners performing injectable procedures were identified across 1,224 clinics.
• The professional breakdown included doctors (32%), nurses (13%), dentists (24%), and dental nurses (8%).
• Among doctors, 41% were on the Specialist Register and 19% on the General Practitioner Register, with Plastic Surgery and Dermatology being the most represented specialties.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to detail the range of practitioners and their backgrounds in non-surgical aesthetic interventions in the UK.
• The diverse professional backgrounds of practitioners may influence patient risks.
• Findings underscore the importance of considering practitioner profiles in future legislation for industry licensing.