In the UK, Health inspectors are to conduct undercover investigations into unregistered clinics offering cosmetic surgery and Botox procedures. Inspectors from the Healthcare Commission (HC), the British  government's health watchdog, have been granted powers by the UK parliament to monitor the estimated 3,000 unregistered clinics that use laser and light therapy to carry out operations such as removing facial hair, tattoos and giving Botox injections.

It is illegal to operate an unregistered clinic and any such businesses have been warned that if they do not apply for registration, the commission can apply for an injunction to stop it from operating. It may also face criminal prosecution.

Kate Lobley, head of operations at the Healthcare Commission, said: "There are too many people providing healthcare services who are operating outside the law. We have to do something about that. "Patients and the public want reassurance that services are safe and meeting minimum standards." In  operations similar to those conducted by Trading Standards, inspectors now have the right to send in 'mystery shoppers' to assess the service being provided. As well as monitoring the clinics, the Healthcare Commission is calling on the UK insurance industry to make it harder for unregistered clinics to get medical cover.

It is also urging property owners in areas such as London's prestigious Harley Street, the centre of Britain's cosmetic surgery industry, to not let premises to clinics unless they can provide proof of registration. Patients have been advised that they should ask to see a certificate of registration if they visit a private clinic. "We need to make sure these people are not compromising the safety of their clients," Ms Lobley added.

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