Scotland's rapidly growing cosmetic industry is part beauty – and part beast.

A surge in innovation and availability of clinics means consumers have more treatments to choose from than ever before, and the opportunity to benefit from world-class expertise to enhance their looks and rejuvenate their skin.

While the only option for previous generations was to go under the knife with expensive plastic surgery, advances in lasers, energy devices, and injectables such as Botox mean that roughly 90% of the procedures being carried out today are non-surgical, minimally invasive, and much more affordable.

On the flipside, an explosion in unregulated practitioners is being blamed for a surge in people suffering horrific injuries and disfigurements – sometimes with little prospect of compensation.

The Herald launches its latest in-depth series investigating the state of Scotland's cosmetic sector, how we got here, and what's next.

Day Four

'Cut-throat' cosmetics 'not a nice industry to be in'

Our business correspondent investigates the trials and tribulations of the skincare sector, a highly competitive industry where business success is far from guaranteed.

Scottish entrepreneur steps into the skincare breach

The millionaire founder and chief executive of Optical Express David Moulsdale’s takes over the SK:N brand following its collapse — what are his plans for the business? 

Day Three

The nurses quitting the NHS for career in aesthetics

The boom in non-surgical rejuvenation treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, and other injectables over the past 15 years has driven a huge expansion in the cosmetic sector which was never possible in the past, when procedures were limited to plastic surgeons. Here's why dentists, nurses, midwives, dental nurses, and non-plastics doctors have poured into the sector.

Scot Govt plans tighter rules amid calls for crackdown on unregulated cosmetic sector

Experts speaking to The Herald this week have described a "wild west" industry where consumers are being exposed to potentially dangerous treatments. Writing in The Herald today, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said the government wants to make sure it gets the "details right" as it considers how to improve safety.

Top bridal beauty trends in Scotland in 2024: What are they?

Gone are the days when the blushing bride buffed up just some mascara and lipstick. Many are choosing to go under the needle to look their best on the big day - and bridal beauty is big business.

'The first time I had it done, I was blown away': The must-have facial for brides

We explore the treatment which is taking the wedding industry by storm - and speak to one bride who'll be getting a faceful on the big day.  

Day Two

The cosmetic sector, Scotland, regulation: What's going on?

Campaigners and healthcare professionals have warned that lives are being put at risk by a growing number of unregulated practitioners — Health correspondent Helen McArdle investigates. 

Brazilian Butt Lift : what is it and can I get one in UK?

It's the must-have cosmetic correction for mums with saggy bums and wannabe-influencers looking for a tighter tushie. But what is the procedure? And is it safe? We get to the bottom of the story. 

Considering cosmetic surgery abroad? What you need to know

Dr CJ Tollan, a consultant plastic surgeon and director of Elanic Group, explains the risks of medical tourism in the cosmetic sector.

Can I get damages if Botox and filler treatments go wrong?

An "explosion" in uninsured practitioners is giving people no legal route when things go wrong after going under the knife.  Leading lawyer Jennifer Wallace, a partner at Thompsons Solicitors, explains the dangers.  

Day One

From taboo to trends: Why Scotland's newest private hospital is for cosmetic surgery

On the outskirts of Edinburgh city centre, tucked away among the capital's £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration project and overlooking the Firth of Forth, is Scotland's newest private hospital. But this hospital is the only hospital in Scotland dedicated to cosmetic surgery. Health correspondent Helen McArdle investigates.

I tried Scotland's newest skin tightening procedure – so what's it like?

For the series, health correspondent Helen McArdle arrived at Essence Medical to experience something she had never done before: her first cosmetic procedure. Follow Helen as she tries out one of the new procedures.

Explained in Five Minutes: What is Botox, how does it work, who discovered it?

Botox is the brand name for Botulinum toxin - the UK's most popular form of anti-wrinkle treatment. Helen McArdle breaks down frequently asked questions about the treatment.

Cosmetic dentistry is on the rise – but don't blur line between beauty and function

The widespread belief across Scottish dentistry is that there is nothing more aesthetic than a healthy natural tooth in the correct position. Yet, patient expectations have also risen alongside the advancing technology. Dentist Philip Friel breaks down the rise of cosmetic dentistry.

Exclusive: Independent clinics surge 150 per cent amid cosmetic treatment boom

Official figures show a rapid expansion in the number of regulated clinics – but it comes about growing concerns that patients are coming to harm from unregulated practitioners. Helen McArdle reports.