Standard 27: Aesthetic and Cosmetic Procedures (non-surgical only) (Version 11)

Why it matters. Each practitioner must hold the qualification and training for the specific procedure they perform, not only a general licence. This is what keeps each procedure in the right hands.

Sample. Review the qualification and competence records for all practitioners who performed procedures in the last 12 months.

1. Procedures outside a practitioner’s scope are not performed.

Method. Check each procedure against the scope recorded for the practitioner.

Evidence to show. Scope of practice and competence (AES-POL-001).

Pass when. No procedure falls outside the recorded scope.

Immediate fail (any one means the criterion is not met). A practitioner injecting dermal fillers with no training in the technique.

Why it matters. For elective procedures there is time to decide. The patient should receive realistic information about the outcome, and time to reconsider before committing.

Sample. Review 20 consent records for aesthetic procedures in the last 3 months, with the reconsideration periods recorded.

1. The consent states realistic outcomes, including that results vary and may not be permanent.

Method. Check each consent for the outcome statement.

Evidence to show. Aesthetic procedure consent and reconsideration record (AES-FRM-001).

Pass when. Every consent states realistic outcomes.

2. The patient is given time to reconsider before the procedure.

Method. Check the period between consent and procedure for each sampled case.

Evidence to show. Consent, realistic outcomes and reconsideration (AES-SOP-001).

Pass when. Every sampled case has the reconsideration period recorded and kept before treatment.

Immediate fail (any one means the criterion is not met). A patient consented in the chair and treated the same day after one conversation.

Why it matters. Before a procedure, the centre must check the patient’s history, medicines and conditions that would make the procedure unsafe. Identifying them in advance prevents harm that is otherwise discovered on the table.

Sample. Review 20 pre-procedure assessment records and the contraindication checks recorded in them.

1. A documented assessment is completed before each procedure.

Method. Check each record for an assessment dated before the procedure.

Evidence to show. Pre-procedure assessment and contraindications (AES-SOP-002).

Pass when. Every sampled procedure has an assessment before it starts.

2. Contraindications are checked and recorded, including pregnancy, medicines and allergies.

Method. Check each assessment for each listed contraindication.

Evidence to show. Pre-procedure assessment record (AES-FRM-002).

Pass when. Every assessment checks each contraindication.

3. A contraindication found is resolved, or the procedure is not done.

Method. Check each recorded contraindication for resolution or for the procedure not being done.

Evidence to show. Pre-procedure assessment record (AES-FRM-002).

Pass when. No procedure goes ahead with an unresolved contraindication.

Immediate fail (any one means the criterion is not met). A procedure performed on a pregnant patient whose pregnancy was not recorded.

Why it matters. Sedation and anaesthesia in an aesthetic clinic can cause serious harm if the person giving it is not trained, or if the patient is not monitored. Credentialed staff and monitoring keep it safe.

Sample. Review the sedation and anaesthesia records for 10 procedures, with their monitoring and equipment checks.

1. Sedation and anaesthesia are given only by competent clinicians in an equipped setting.

Method. Check each record for the clinician’s competence and the equipment check.

Evidence to show. Sedation and anaesthesia safety (AES-SOP-003).

Pass when. Every sampled case has a competent clinician and checked equipment.

2. Monitoring is continuous and recorded through recovery.

Method. Check each record for continuous monitoring entries to discharge.

Evidence to show. Sedation and anaesthesia monitoring record (AES-FRM-003).

Pass when. Every record is continuous to discharge.

Immediate fail (any one means the criterion is not met). A sedated patient discharged with no monitoring and no means to resuscitate.

Why it matters. Aesthetic clinics often advertise results, prices and credentials that are not true. Before-and-after photos taken without the patient’s written permission are a privacy breach. Accurate claims protect the patient from being misled.

Sample. Review all advertising, website and social media claims for the last 6 months, and the claims review log.

1. Every claim is supported by evidence on file before publication.

Method. Check each sampled claim against the evidence file.

Evidence to show. Advertising and claims review (AES-POL-002).

Pass when. Every claim has evidence on file.

2. No before-and-after image or result is shown without consent and a typical-result statement.

Method. Check each image or result shown for consent and the typical-result statement.

Evidence to show. Advertising and claims review log (AES-REG-002).

Pass when. Every shown result has consent and a typical-result statement.

3. Prices and packages are shown accurately.

Method. Compare each published price against the current fee list.

Evidence to show. Advertising and claims review log (AES-REG-002).

Pass when. Every published price matches the fee list.

Immediate fail (any one means the criterion is not met). Advertising promising permanent results with no evidence on file.

Why it matters. Procedures can have complications days after the patient goes home. A scheduled follow-up and a named contact let the patient get help early.

Sample. Review follow-up and complication records for 10 procedures in the last 12 months.

1. Follow-up is arranged and attended, and missed follow-up is chased.

Method. Check each record for the follow-up date and attendance.

Evidence to show. Follow-up and complication management (AES-SOP-004).

Pass when. Every sampled procedure has follow-up arranged, and each missed one is chased.

2. Each complication is recorded, treated and reviewed.

Method. Check each complication record for treatment and review.

Evidence to show. Complication and follow-up record (AES-FRM-004).

Pass when. Every complication has treatment and review recorded.

3. Serious complications are referred and reported.

Method. Check each serious complication for referral and reporting.

Evidence to show. Follow-up and complication management (AES-SOP-004).

Pass when. Every serious complication has a referral and a report.

Immediate fail (any one means the criterion is not met). A vascular occlusion after filler not recognised or referred for hours.