Regulations needed for cosmetic surgery

Over the past week several newspapers have reported the lack of regulation in some areas of the cosmetic surgery industry.

The president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons Nigel Mercer had voiced his views as part of a series of medical articles on cosmetic surgery. Mr Mercer has said there is a need for tighter regulation and testing of drugs, procedures and implants to offer more protection to patients.

Stiff marketing, cost cutting and increasing media hype have created a worrying cocktail that threatens both patients and practitioners. There is a bigger need than ever before to ensure surgery is to be carried out by an experienced and accredited surgeon and with a reputable and ethical cosmetic surgery company.

Dr Harvey Marcovitch, who commissioned leading experts in the field to write for this special issue said, “Patient safety is this journal’s main aim and there can be no area of medicine where patients in the UK are more in need of protection. We need tight control of advertising of cosmetic surgery – including internet advertising. We need proper regulation of the industry and we need both surgeons and GPs to manage patient expectation.” Dr Harvey Marcovitchs opinion is supported by several senior doctors who have also added concerns in the Clinical Risk Journal.

With an increasing number of people going for cosmetic surgery it has become highly essential to ensure that proper care and safety measures are in place.

Authorities are now looking at stricter regulations in wake of the warnings issued.

If you are looking into cosmetic surgery, it is highly recommended that you fully understand the procedure and any risk involved. You should expect to have a consultation with your surgeon and not a sales person, during this consultation you should find out about the surgeons experience and accreditation and be comfortable with this person performing the procedure. A good place to start with this is to find a reputable cosmetic surgery business with a history of success, recommendations cosmetic surgery testimonials from previous patients.