Barnet sees 11 non-surgical cosmetic procedure complaints

Barnet borough councils recorded 11 complaints related to non-surgical cosmetic procedures between January 2021 and May 2026. These figures emerged from Freedom of Information requests made by VIP Italia, which also showed that 41 allegations involving injury, infection, hospital treatment, unsafe practice, or other medical complications were made across London boroughs.

Nationally, 117 complaints concerning treatments such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, and non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifts were made to London borough councils. Islington recorded the highest number of complaints with 20, followed by Westminster with 16. Barnet's 11 complaints placed it third among the boroughs surveyed.

Enforcement and Investigations

Councils conducted 208 investigations, inspections, or visits related to non-surgical cosmetic procedures across London. Havering accounted for a significant portion of these, with 142 visits. Enforcement actions taken by councils included issuing 27 warning or advice letters and serving 18 prohibition notices.

The lack of specific regulation for practitioners offering non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the UK has been highlighted as a concern. Anastasia Lesnikova, an Aesthetics Product Expert at VIP Italia, stated that the figures demonstrate the need for people to treat these treatments seriously. She called for a consistent licensing system with clear minimum standards for practitioners and premises to offer greater patient protection.

The industry has faced increased scrutiny, partly due to cases involving practitioners who have faced prohibition notices in other areas but continued to operate. The data suggests that despite the 'non-surgical' label, these procedures can lead to significant medical issues requiring council intervention.