Levels of risk

The Medical Council classifies cosmetic procedures according to their level of risk and complexity:

• Category 1 procedures involve cutting beneath the skin. They include nose surgery, surgical facelifts, breast surgery and liposuction. These more extensive procedures are best carried out in a day-stay clinic or hospital and with an anaesthetist present. They have a higher risk of complications and should be performed by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon or by another specialist surgeon (whose recognised scope of practice includes the specific procedure).
  
  
• Category 2 procedures are non-surgical treatments like laser skin treatments, chemical peels, and injections such as Botox and dermal fillers. They can also be invasive and carry risks. Category 2 procedures are usually carried out in a day-stay clinic or doctor's rooms by a plastic surgeon, GP or dermatologist. Depending on the procedure, an anaesthetist may be present.

Doctors without surgical qualifications may perform certain operations if they're working in a "collegial relationship" with a qualified and registered surgeon. This means GPs performing minor cosmetic surgery must have their training and assessment overseen by a doctor who is registered in an appropriate scope of practice.

According to the Medical Council, there are very few doctors performing Category 1 procedures as part of a collegial relationship - those who do are either dermatologists (who are limited to performing liposuction) or surgeons registered in another specialty. There are many more doctors performing Category 2 procedures as part of a collegial relationship.