Prescribing of Botulinum toxin injections and adherence to the law
- Angela Lowe
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 21
The use of Botulinum Toxin (commonly known as Botox®) is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the UK. However, what many people don’t realise is that the law strictly regulates how and by whom it can be prescribed.
Botulinum toxin is a Prescription-Only Medicine (POM)
Botulinum Toxin products – including Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, and others – are classed as prescription-only medicines (POMs). This means they can only be prescribed by a suitably qualified prescriber, such as a doctor, dentist, nurse prescriber, or pharmacist prescriber.
Face-to-Face Consultations Are Now Legally Required
The prescriber must carry out a face-to-face consultation with the patient before prescribing Botulinum Toxin. This is not optional. During the consultation, the prescriber must:
Take a full medical history.
Assess the patient’s suitability for treatment.
Discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Obtain informed consent.
Remote prescribing (e.g. via phone, video, or messaging) is not permitted for aesthetic use of Botox and other toxins. The General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) all prohibit prescribing injectable cosmetic medicines without seeing the patient in person.
Why This Matters
Allowing a non-prescriber (such as a beauty therapist) to obtain or administer Botox without a prescriber present is illegal and can lead to serious consequences, including:
Criminal prosecution.
Regulatory sanctions against prescribers.
Potential harm to patients due to missed contraindications or improper dosing.
What Patients Should Look For
If you’re considering a Botox treatment, make sure:
You have had a face-to-face consultation with a qualified prescriber.
Your treatment is carried out by someone trained, competent, and insured.
You receive aftercare information and know who to contact in case of complications.
Our Commitment to Safety and Compliance
At Kent Aesthetics Retreat, patient safety and ethical practice are at the heart of everything we do. We strictly adhere to UK legislation and professional standards governing the use of prescription-only medicines such as Botulinum Toxin (Botox® and similar products). Every patient receives a face-to-face consultation with an appropriately qualified prescriber before any treatment is undertaken, in full compliance with NMC, GMC, and JCCP guidance.
Our clinical protocols are based on evidence-based best practice and the latest research in aesthetic medicine. This ensures that each treatment plan is individually tailored, medically appropriate, and delivered with the highest standards of care. We maintain detailed medical records, obtain informed consent, and provide comprehensive aftercare and complication management support.
By upholding these strict standards, Kent Aesthetics Retreat guarantees that every patient experience is safe, professional, and legally compliant — giving you complete confidence in the care you receive. When you book an appointment with us, your initial consultation will be face to face with one of our partner prescribers before you choose to go ahead with any treatments as per the law. You are then free to book your treatment once the prescriber is happy for you to do so. The cost of the initial consultation can be used toward your treatment.
