ISAPS critical of new aesthetic courses in Thailand

ISAPS has condemned Thailand’s medical council for approving a plan to certify short-term courses for aesthetic surgery.

The largest global organisation of aesthetic plastic surgeons has condemned Thailand’s medical council for approving a plan to certify short-term courses for aesthetic surgery, on the grounds that it could compromise patient safety.

The Thailand Medical Council says that guidelines for a variety of short-term certificate programmes in several medical procedures will be approved by the end of 2016.

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), which has members in 104 countries, asked the council to reconsider the proposal.

ISAPS argues that this could be dangerous for patients as allowing non-specialists to perform cosmetic surgery could lead to higher complication rates and have serious repercussions for Thailand’s medical tourism.

The medical council still plans to go ahead but has made it clear that while non-invasive (such as some types of skin laser) and minimally invasive (such as injecting Botox) procedures can be performed by a general physician, only specialists with experience can perform invasive procedures. This includes surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, ear, nose and throat specialists, gynaecologists and ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologists will only be allowed to perform cosmetic surgery on eyes.

ISAPs has responded by warning that any proposed change reducing the length or scope of physicians’ training must be opposed due to the inherent risks and complex nature of cosmetic surgery.