Barnet Council records 11 complaints on cosmetic procedures

Barnet Council recorded 11 complaints concerning non-surgical cosmetic procedures between January 2021 and May 2026. This figure places the borough third in London for the number of complaints received, according to Freedom of Information requests compiled by VIP Italia.

The complaints relate to treatments such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, and non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifts. Some allegations involved claims of injury, infection, hospital treatment, unsafe practices, or other medical complications arising from these procedures.

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Complaint figures for London boroughs

Islington Council received the highest number of complaints, with 20. Westminster Council followed with 16 complaints. Barnet's total of 11 complaints places it behind these two boroughs. Other boroughs with significant complaint numbers included Havering with 10 and Wandsworth with 9.

Across all London boroughs, 41 allegations specifically involved injury, infection, hospital treatment, unsafe practice, or other medical complications. Wandsworth Council recorded the most such specific allegations with 10, followed by Barnet with 7.

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Council enforcement actions

During the specified period, London councils carried out a total of 208 investigations, inspections, or visits related to non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Havering Council conducted the largest proportion of these, with 142 actions. Enforcement responses implemented by councils included 27 warning or advice letters and 18 prohibition notices.

Anastasia Lesnikova, an Aesthetics Product Expert at VIP Italia, commented on the findings. She noted that the term "non-surgical" can lead people to underestimate the risks involved. Ms Lesnikova highlighted the need for regulation that matches the industry's scale and complexity, suggesting a licensing system with clear standards for practitioners and premises.

Ms Lesnikova stated that a consistent licensing system and effective enforcement would offer greater protection to patients and help identify responsible providers. The priority, she added, is ensuring individuals can make informed choices and are treated by properly trained professionals operating to appropriate standards.

Regulatory landscape

Currently, there is no specific regulation dictating who can perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as injectables in the UK. The findings emerge amidst broader discussions on the oversight of the non-surgical cosmetics industry.