Cosmetic Surgery Review reports

An interim report into the cosmetic surgery sector supports the call for measures to curb aggressive sales techniques and improve information and education for those considering aesthetic procedures. Responses to the Cosmetic Surgery Review call for evidence were published at the end of last year. The call for evidence was issued to enable the public, cosmetic interventions industry and patient groups to contribute to NHS Medical Director Sir Bruce Keogh’s review of the regulation of cosmetic interventions. Key messages from respondents on the future for cosmetic interventions were that: the current regulatory framework was inconsistent and did not reflect the many changes and innovations in such a fast-growing and dynamic sector training requirements were felt by many to be disproportionately weak compared to the potential risks of a procedure and more specialised training was welcomed dermal fillers and intense pulsed light and laser procedures were highlighted by many as an area where there was insufficient legislation to protect the public respondents were concerned about the lack of data being collected on implants, procedures, adverse incidents and outcomes the Review was timely and an important part of restoring public trust in the cosmetic interventions sector following the issues with PIP breast implants Suggestions that respondents wanted to see implemented included: banning free consultations for cosmetic surgery so that people don’t feel obliged to go through with surgical procedures ensuring consultations are with a medical professional, not a sales adviser imposing tighter restrictions on advertising including banning two-for-one, time limited deals and cosmetic surgery as competition prizes requiring a two-stage written consent for surgery so people have time to reflect before making a decision providing better information for patients including photos of expected bruising and scarring, and more detail on the risks associated with surgery.