Legal Framework
The Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021 prohibits the administration of botulinum toxin and non-surgical cosmetic filler procedures to persons under the age of 18 in England, except where carried out by a registered healthcare professional for a medical purpose. This legislation forms the minimum legal standard.
Zuri Medical Clinic applies stricter internal thresholds than the statutory minimum, as set out below, reflecting our clinical philosophy and commitment to patient welfare.
Age Thresholds — Clinic Policy
| Treatment Category | Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Injectable treatments (botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, biostimulators, skin boosters, PRP, polynucleotides, regenerative injectables) | 21 years | Clinic policy — stricter than statutory minimum of 18 |
| Non-injectable skin treatments (laser, IPL, microneedling, chemical peels, LED, cryotherapy) | 18 years | Statutory minimum |
| Surgical procedures (fat grafting, skin surgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery) | 21 years | Clinic policy — consistent with injectable threshold |
| Initial consultation only (no treatment) | 18 years | Parent or guardian must accompany patients aged 18-20 for injectable consultations |
Parental or guardian consent does not override these thresholds. Dr Garara reserves the right to decline treatment regardless of consent provided where a patient does not meet the minimum age requirement.
Age Verification
Where there is any doubt about a patient's age — either at the point of online booking, at check-in, or during consultation — Dr Garara or clinic staff will request photographic proof of age before proceeding.
Accepted forms of photographic ID:
- Valid UK or international passport
- Valid UK driving licence (full or provisional)
- Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) card
Digital copies of ID documents will not be accepted as verification. The ID must be presented in person.
Where a patient is unable or unwilling to provide valid ID on request, the appointment will not proceed. Any deposit or advance payment will be held on account pending provision of satisfactory ID.
Online Booking
Our online booking platform requires patients to confirm their date of birth at the point of registration. Where the date of birth entered indicates a patient is below the minimum age threshold for the treatment selected, the booking will not be processed.
Where there is uncertainty — for example, where a date of birth has not been provided or appears inconsistent — clinic staff will contact the patient by email before confirming the appointment. If age cannot be confirmed, the booking will be cancelled and any payment refunded.
Responsibilities of Staff and Associates
All staff and associates working at Zuri Medical Clinic are responsible for:
- Checking patient age at check-in where there is any doubt.
- Requesting ID before treatment proceeds where the patient appears to be or may be below the minimum age.
- Refusing treatment where satisfactory proof of age cannot be provided, regardless of any prior booking confirmation.
- Reporting any concerns about potential underage treatment attempts to Dr Bhavin Garara directly.
Record Keeping
Where ID is requested and verified, a record will be made in the patient's clinical notes confirming that age verification was completed, the type of ID presented, and the date of verification. The ID document itself will not be retained or copied.
Safeguarding
If a member of staff has reason to believe that a young person attending the clinic is at risk of harm, or that a treatment is being sought under duress, they must raise this with Dr Garara immediately. The clinic will follow appropriate safeguarding procedures, including referral to relevant authorities where required.
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated to reflect any changes in legislation or JCCP guidance.
Contact
Questions about this policy should be directed to: Email: info@drbhavingarara.com. Post: Afyatech Ltd, Alpha House, 296 Kenton Road, Harrow, England, HA3 8DD.
Afyatech Ltd is registered in England and Wales. Dr Bhavin Garara GMC No. 7155707. ICO Registration: ZC178885. Afyatech Ltd, Alpha House, 296 Kenton Road, Harrow, England, HA3 8DD.