Cosmetic and aesthetic clinics
This category covers aesthetic clinics, cosmetic surgery, and dermatology and skin services. Standards and regulation vary by treatment: cosmetic surgery and many medical skin procedures are carried out by doctors registered with the GMC, and providers performing surgery in England are registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission. Dermatologists are also GMC-registered.
Choosing safely
For any procedure, it matters who is carrying it out and where. Look for appropriately qualified, registered practitioners; for surgical procedures, check the clinic's CQC registration and rating, and that the surgeon is on the GMC's specialist register. A reputable provider will offer a proper consultation, a cooling-off period, and clear written information about risks and aftercare.
A note on regulation
Some non-surgical treatments are less tightly regulated than surgery, so doing your own checks is especially important. Certain treatments involve prescription-only medicines, which by law require a prescriber's assessment and cannot be advertised to the public — so you may notice clinics describe these services in general terms rather than promoting specific products.
Making a decision
Take your time, ask about qualifications and complication rates, and never feel rushed. HealthWise lists providers to help you compare them; it does not endorse treatments or provide medical advice. Discuss any procedure thoroughly with a qualified clinician first.
Last updated: 2026-07-22