The shift in aesthetics prescribing: Is it a win or a hindrance?

luminateaesthetics
Jul 15
2 min read

1. The Ban on Remote Prescribing

What Changed (1 June 2025)

Nurses and midwives must now conduct face-to-face consultations before prescribing any prescription-only medicines (POMs) commonly used in aesthetics - like botulinum toxin (“Botox”), local anaesthetics (e.g. lidocaine), hyaluronidase, or weight‑loss injectables
This aligns the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) with the General Medical/Dental/Pharmacy Councils .

Why It Matters

Patient safety: In-person assessments reduce the risk of missed contraindications, misdiagnosis, or psychological issues
Accountability: Prescribers can be held fit-to-practice for non-compliance
Professional integrity: The move closes loopholes in remote prescribing and elevates industry standards

2. Pros & Cons of the New Requirements

✅ Pros	⚠️ Cons
Stronger patient safety, fewer complications	Higher costs- need for prescribers on-site or per visit
Increased public trust and clinic legitimacy	More complex scheduling and inventory workflows
Better accountability and legal protection	Reduced convenience, especially for remote clients or mobile practitioners
Recording face-to-face visits strengthens documentation and continuity of care	Smaller clinics may struggle with resources and insurance terms
Aligns with evolving regulatory oversight (JCCP, CQC, licensing)	May disrupt solo injectors or salon-based practitioners

3. Wider Regulatory Context & Where Things Are Heading

A national register of aesthetic practitioners is in development to boost transparency and accountability
New training, licensing and advertising rules were introduced in 2024-2025 to curb misleading promotions and require formal qualifications
The industry is steadily moving toward legal regulation beyond professional guidance—under powers introduced by the Health & Care Act 2022

4. Practical Impacts on the Ground

Prescribers (doctors, V300 nurse prescribers, etc.) now must physically assess each patient before prescribing POMs, even for repeat visits
Non-prescribers (e.g. salon injectors) must partner with registered prescribers, either in-clinic or via scheduled visits
Pharmacies and insurers now require proof of face-to-face consultation before dispensing POMs .
Services like tele-consulting or drive-through botox are no longer compliant under these rulings.

5. Industry Reactions & Practitioner Takeaways

Generally positive feedback: Nurses, legal experts, and patients back the change in interest of safety and transparency .
Tension exists: Some practitioners argue face-to-face consultations feel outdated and costly-especially for repeat bookings
Market adaptation: Clinics that adjust by building prescriber relationships, gaining prescribing qualifications, or diversifying into non-POM areas will be best placed to thrive .

6. Tips for Aesthetic Practices

Forge strong partnerships with qualified prescribers and synchronize them into your workflow.
Train and upskill, e.g. obtaining a V300 prescribing qualification, to offer in-house prescribed treatments.
Ensure your premises can accommodate private consultations—not just treatment rooms.
Review insurance to guarantee cover includes POM prescribing under new compliance terms.
Be transparent with marketing, explicitly stating how prescriptions are handled and who oversees them.
Track developments: regulations, registers, licensing systems are still emerging-stay proactive.

Final Thoughts

The new prescribing restrictions in UK aesthetics-abolishing remote prescribing from 1 June 2025-mark a pivotal move toward safety-first, ethically sound practice. They create short-term operational challenges, but a long-term boost in professional credibility, patient trust, and industry regulation.

For aesthetic practitioners, this isn’t a setback-it’s an opportunity. By embracing compliance, collaboration, and higher clinical standards now, your business can be part of the next wave of responsible, respected aesthetic medicine.