UK review calls for tighter regulation of cosmetic surgery

[smurfy]

[url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20850284[/url]

[quote=BBC News][B]Banning free consultations and giving patients more information on risks could help make cosmetic surgery safer, a public consultation has proposed.[/B]

The suggestions, included in 180 responses from patients, the public and industry, are being published as part of the [url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19255440]review set up after the PIP breast implant scandal last year[/url].

A final report, by Sir Bruce Keogh the NHS Medical Director, is due in March.

Cosmetic surgeons said procedures should not be "sold as commodities".

The health secretary asked Sir Bruce to look at the regulation and safety of products used in cosmetic surgery and the care given to patients both during and after their treatment.

[B]'Time to think'[/B]

From the suggestions included in the interim report, people want to see less aggressive selling of cosmetic procedures and tighter restrictions on advertising, for example a ban on two-for-one and time-limited deals - and on cosmetic surgery as competition prizes.

Written consent should also be required before surgery so people have time to reflect before making a decision, the report says.

Providing patients with photos of expected bruising and scarring, as well as more detail on the risks associated with surgery should be standard procedure too, it adds.

GP Dr Rosemary Leonard, the BBC Breakfast doctor and review committee member said patients should always talk to a doctor first.

"It is wrong that the first consultation is with a sales person rather than a medical professional.

"Surgery - indeed any cosmetic intervention - is a serious step, and a patient must be told about the immediate side effects after surgery as well as any potential long term effects on their health."

Rajiv Grover, president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) welcomed the call to end the practice of sales people holding consultations.

He said: "We're pleased that the report - and public opinion - so strongly reflects our own views.

"We have made the comparison between cosmetic surgery being sold as a commodity, much as a washing machine or off-the-shelf beauty products, many times before.

"Medical procedures simply cannot continue to be promoted in this manner and although it is tragic that it has taken a crisis of the magnitude of PIP to make the world sit up and take notice, it seems we're finally making headway towards a safer environment for patients.

"It's time to scrub up and take action to restore confidence in our sector."[/quote]

[ViralHatred]

[QUOTE]"It's time to scrub up and take action to restore confidence in our sector."[/QUOTE]

My breasts.

[Boatplugs]

[QUOTE=smurfy;39037470]for example a ban on two-for-one and time-limited deals[/QUOTE]
So I can only get one boob done at once?