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Non-surgical cosmetic procedures involve using products or techniques to make the skin look smoother or to make marks on the skin look less obvious. There are also procedures to change the way teeth look, such as making them whiter or straighter.

These procedures can be carried out in medical or dental clinics, or beauty salons. Although surgery isn't involved, it's still important to make sure that any procedure you have is safe.

If you're considering a procedure, find out what it involves, what the risks are, and how much it costs. Ask about the qualifications and experience of the person who will be giving it to you.

What non-surgical treatments are there?

There are various kinds of procedures offered, including:

• muscle paralysis, for example, injections of botulinium toxin (such as Botox) to relax facial muscles and make lines and wrinkles less obvious
• dermal fillers, injected into wrinkles or creases to fill them out
• chemical peels, which use chemicals to remove the outer layer of skin cells
• microdermabrasion (using fine crystals and vacuum to remove dead skin cells)
• laser therapy, which uses light to smooth skin

Some treatments can leave the treated area sensitive or red for days or weeks.

Registration

Cosmetic treatments that do not involve surgery are not regulated and do not have to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is the independent regulator for health services in England.

This means that places that provide these treatments are not inspected to ensure that their services meet standards of quality and safety. The CQC advises that you can still be at risk of harm from procedures if they're not carried out correctly. It's important that you research the procedure, the provider and the person who will be carrying it out.

Nurses must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council; dermatologists must be registered with the General Medical Council; and dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council.

There are various qualifications in beauty therapy. Ask the therapist what his or her qualifications are, and what training they've received for the procedure that you want.

Clinics offering laser therapy are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, and must be registered with them. Ask to see their registration documents, or search the CQC database.  

What are the risks of non-surgical procedures?

"Non-surgical procedures usually involve injections of either fillers or botulinium toxin, and carry less serious risks than surgery in general," says Professor Simon Kay, a consultant plastic surgeon and vice-president of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. "However, over-correction can be difficult to treat, as can asymmetrical placement of the filler, and allergic reactions."

He advises asking specifically what can be done if these things happen, and making sure you discuss information about allergies and other potential complications of each filler.

"Usually the manufacturers include patient information leaflets, which should cover these points," says Professor Kay. "Risks can be minimised by choosing a reputable surgeon or established nurse practitioner who is working in a clinical environment."

If you've had a non-surgical procedure and start to feel unwell, get medical help.

"The first priority is health," says Professor Kay. "If you have any alarming symptoms, such as a rash, fever, inflammation or increasing pain, see your GP or your local accident and emergency department.

"Less urgent problems should be dealt with by the practitioner who administered the substance or treatment. Your GP only needs to be involved if that avenue fails to resolve the issue."