Aesthetics

Who can legally do fillers in the UK and UAE?

Medically reviewed by Dr Suha Kersh, Co-Founder & Director of Aesthetics · Published 18 October 2026 · Last reviewed 18 October 2026

Quick answer: In England, there is currently no legal requirement for the person injecting dermal fillers to have medical training, although fillers cannot be given to under-18s for cosmetic reasons. In Dubai, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) standards allow face fillers only from licensed doctors and some dental specialists, in licensed clinics. Nurses and beauty therapists may not inject them. Abu Dhabi's rules are similar.

Questions about your own situation? Message our team on WhatsApp: London · Dubai

Who is allowed to do fillers in the UK?

In England, almost anyone can legally inject dermal fillers, including lip fillers, into an adult. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) states that there are no mandatory training requirements for practitioners [1]. The NHS adds that fillers do not always need a prescription, and that registers for non-surgical practitioners are voluntary [4].

One firm rule exists: since the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021, it is an offence in England to inject cosmetic filler into anyone under 18, even with a parent's permission [1]. Rules elsewhere in the UK may differ.

Is the UK going to license filler practitioners?

The UK government has committed to a licensing scheme for England, but it is not yet in force. In August 2025, DHSC confirmed plans for three risk levels: green, amber and red [2]. Its proposal placed face fillers in amber [1], where non-healthcare practitioners would need a licence and oversight from a named, regulated healthcare professional [2]. Fillers to the breasts, buttocks or genitals would be red: regulated healthcare professionals only, in clinics registered with the Care Quality Commission [2].

In January 2026, the health minister told Parliament that the measures need secondary legislation and that detailed plans were still being developed [3]. As of October 2026, no start date for licensing has been announced. Until then, choosing who treats you is largely your own responsibility.

Who is allowed to do fillers in Dubai and the UAE?

Dubai's rules are stricter.

Cosmetic fillers are not permitted for under-18s, and the DHA's Standards for Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures (effective August 2022) set out who may inject what [6]:

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons may inject fillers in the face and nose. Fillers in other body areas are limited to consultants and specialists.
Other doctors, including general practitioners (GPs), may inject face fillers, but not nose fillers. GPs need two years' clinical experience, recognised in-person training, a one-year mentorship under a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and the clinic's formal approval.
Some dental specialists (orthodontists, prosthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons) may inject face fillers. General dentists may not.
Nurses, physiotherapists, massage therapists and beauty therapists are not permitted to inject fillers.

The DHA standard also requires [6]:

a DHA-licensed facility with emergency equipment;
a face-to-face consultation before any injection;
written consent.

In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health's standard (effective January 2025) limits fillers to trained, licensed doctors and certain dentists with facility and Department of Health approval. Aestheticians may not inject fillers [7].

	England	Dubai (DHA)
Medical qualification required?	No	Yes: licensed doctor or specified dental specialist
Nurses allowed to inject filler?	Yes (no legal restriction)	No
Licensed premises required?	Not currently	Yes
Face-to-face consultation required?	Not by law	Yes
Under-18s	Offence to inject cosmetic filler	Not permitted

How do I check who is treating me?

UK doctors: search the GMC register by name or GMC number. The NHS advises checking any doctor this way [4].
UK nurses: search the NMC register. The NMC suggests using the nurse's PIN, which they should give you if you ask, because several people may share a name [5].
UK clinics: the NHS lists accredited voluntary registers such as the JCCP and Save Face [4].
Dubai doctors and clinics: search the DHA's official Dubai Medical Registry ("Find a Professional"), which lists licensed professionals and facilities. You can also ask to see the practitioner's DHA licence.

What should I ask before filler treatment?

These questions, based on NHS guidance, help you judge any practitioner [4]:

What is your profession?
Are you professionally registered to do these treatments?
Will you treat me yourself?
What training have you had?
How many of these treatments have you done?
Which product will you use, where does it come from, and is it a registered product in the UK or UAE?
What are the most common complications, and what will you do if one happens?
Who do I contact after treatment, including out of hours?

Why does medical training matter if something goes wrong?

The most serious, though rare, filler complication is a blocked artery (vascular occlusion). This is when filler blocks a blood vessel and cuts off the blood supply to the skin or, rarely, the eye.

There is a specific treatment and medicine for this. The medicines used to treat filler blockages are prescription-only, so they must be prescribed by a qualified prescriber, such as a doctor. At 23MD, a doctor treats and manages every filler patient in both clinics. Medical training helps a practitioner recognise warning signs early and act immediately. Delays in getting these medicines really matter [2].

A 2019 review pooled 93 published cases of vascular complications after facial filler [8]. Blindness was the main outcome in 61%, and 72% showed no improvement. Where a dissolving enzyme was used, it was started more than three hours after symptoms began in every case. The authors concluded that anyone injecting facial filler needs a proficient knowledge of anatomy [8]. These figures come from case reports, so they show how serious these events can be, not how often they happen.

The 23MD view

"When Dr Galy and I founded 23MD in 2015, we wanted every treatment to start with a doctor, and that has not changed in Chelsea or in Jumeirah. Before any dermal filler treatment, we spend 45 to 60 minutes on your medical history, your face and what you hope for, and talk honestly about benefits, risks and alternatives. My approach, and always my preference, is Treatment Stacking: looking at skin, lines, volume and bone together, aiming to rebalance the face rather than take it over. Sometimes that means suggesting less filler or none, and instead adding energy-based devices, treatments for lines and wrinkles, or optimising your hormones first. Suitability and results vary from person to person." — Dr Suha Kersh

Curious how treatments can work together? Explore combinations with our Treatment Stacker.

Who this is for, and who it isn't for

For anyone considering fillers for the first time.
For people who have had filler elsewhere and want a medical second opinion.
For people comparing clinics in London or Dubai.
Not a substitute for urgent care: if you notice pain, skin colour change or any change in vision after filler, contact your practitioner straight away or seek emergency medical help.
Not personal or legal advice: general information on published rules as of October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Can a beautician do fillers in the UK?

In England, currently yes. There is no mandatory qualification for injecting filler into adults, and the planned licensing scheme has not started [1][3].

Can nurses do fillers in the UK?

In England, yes. There is no legal restriction on who injects filler into adults, so nurses can. You can check a nurse's registration on the NMC register [1][5].

Can nurses do fillers in Dubai?

No. The DHA standard does not permit nurses to inject fillers. Face fillers are limited to licensed doctors and some dental specialists [6].

Is it illegal to have fillers under 18 in the UK?

In England it is an offence to inject cosmetic filler into anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent [1].

Do you need a prescription for dermal fillers?

Not always, according to the NHS, unlike some other injectable treatments [4].

How do I check a doctor is licensed in Dubai?

Search their name in the DHA's Dubai Medical Registry, or ask to see their DHA licence.

Talk to a 23MD doctor

If you are thinking about dermal fillers, our doctors are happy to talk it through. Suitability and results vary, and your doctor will discuss benefits and risks with you at consultation.

23MD is a doctor-led clinic in Chelsea, London (since 2015) and Jumeirah 1, Dubai (since 2023).