A Birmingham Vascular Surgeon has welcomed new Government rules that will crack down on unqualified practitioners carrying out high-risk cosmetic procedures (August, 2025).

It was recently announced that only qualified healthcare professionals will be able to carry out high-risk procedures after a series of incidents occurred after treatments caused complications, scarring and even death.

Martin Claridge, Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Director at Premier Veins at the Chamberlain Clinic, 81, Harborne Road, Edgbaston in Birmingham, said: “The proposed reforms to cosmetic procedures are not just welcome, but long overdue.

“While we are not a cosmetic clinic, varicose vein and thread vein treatments undoubtedly carry a clinical and a cosmetic benefit. They are medical interventions that require skill, precision and a deep understanding of anatomy.

Martin Claridge, Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Director at Premier Veins, who is backing new Government rules that will crack down on unqualified practitioners carrying out high-risk cosmetic procedures.

placeholder image — Martin Claridge, Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Director at Premier Veins, who is backing new Government rules that will crack down on unqualified practitioners carrying out high-risk cosmetic procedures.

“The risks of complications are real if these treatments are carried out by untrained or unregulated individuals, which is why we fully support the Government’s crackdown, because patient safety must always come before profit or appearance.

“Before having any procedure of any kind, we would recommend patients verify their practitioner’s credentials. Ensure they are a GMC-registered doctor or HCPC-registered healthcare professional and that the clinic is CQC registered.

“Patients should always request a medical consultation. Any reputable clinic will conduct a full risk assessment, explain treatment options, and outline potential side effects before any treatment takes place.”

The new measures aim to ensure only qualified healthcare professionals will be able to deliver high-risk procedures and clinics will need to meet strict standards to obtain a licence.

Martin added: “Not only do the new measures ensure patient’s safety, but it will inevitably save the NHS time and money fixing botched procedures.”

Premier Veins is dedicated to transforming vein health and restoring confidence. Its expert team, with a strong foundation in the NHS and research, established Premier Veins in 2012 to deliver a superior level of personalised attention.

Its experienced consultant vascular specialists offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments that can help people regain confidence in their appearance.

Martin qualified from University College London Medical School. He trained exclusively in specialist vascular and endovascular surgery in Birmingham and Australia and has a doctorate in vascular research from Birmingham University.

In 2011, Martin was appointed as a Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at University Hospitals Birmingham and was Clinical Director from 2015 to 2024. He lectures internationally and trains colleagues all over the world in keyhole treatments for varicose veins.