In a long
overdue but very welcome development for patients of cosmetic surgery, the
government is finally taking steps to tighten regulation surrounding cosmetic
surgeons.
The
cosmetic surgery industry has been woefully under-regulated for many years; due
in part to the fact that cosmetic surgery is not a defined speciality and the
majority of it is carried out privately. Despite this, more and more people are
undergoing cosmetic procedures, with 51,000 people opting for cosmetic surgery
in 2015, a 13% increase on 2014.
But it
looks like the tide may finally be starting to turn, with new initiatives being
introduced with the aim of tightening up the industry and establishing much
needed protection for consumers and patients.
CQC’s
scope to extend to cosmetic surgery providers
A new
Department of Health paper published on 22 August 2016 will hopefully go some
way to addressing problems with the industry, by providing safeguards for
people considering undergoing cosmetic surgery.
The paper
proposes expanding the public rating system currently operated by the Care
Quality Commission (CQC) to providers of cosmetic surgery. This means that
clinics will now be subjected to a rating system whereby the CQC will rate them
as “outstanding”, “good”, “requires improvement” or “inadequate”. The results
will be published online, allowing individuals planning to have cosmetic
surgery to make a more informed choice about the clinic they have chosen before
going under the knife.
Accreditation
system for cosmetic surgeons in the pipeline
In
addition to the CQC rating system, the Royal College of Surgeons has also
announced plans to launch a new system of accreditation for cosmetic surgeons
later this year, designed to go hand in hand with the rating system. This will
hopefully help patients to find a certified surgeon with the appropriate level
of experience, training and insurance to carry out a procedure.
General
Medical Council guidelines already in force
The new
proposals complement new GMC guidance which came into force in June 2016 requiring
cosmetic surgery providers to market and advertise their services responsibly
and give patients time to change their mind without feeling rushed or
pressured. The guidance also bans doctors from offering two for one promotions
on cosmetic surgery or offering surgery as a prize.
Criticisms
of the cosmetic industry
The
government’s decision to take steps to clamp down on rogue cosmetic surgeons
stems from a growing concern about the industry following the publication of
the critical 2012 report into cosmetic surgery providers by Sir Bruce Keogh in
the wake of the PIP breast implant scandal.
Although
the changes signal a move in the right direction, concerns still remain about
the way that the industry is regulated, and further steps will be needed if patients
are truly to be protected.
Douglas
McGeorge, former president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic
Surgeons (BAAPS), which has long criticised the cosmetic industry, said that
the changes were welcome but that patients still needed to be wary: “This
is an arena where regulation has historically been lax and many practitioners
can engage in procedures they are not trained or even qualified to perform.
However, it is important to stress that the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
regulates facilities - that is, clinics rather than clinicians. Their remit
entails a facility or practice's aspects such as equipment, record-keeping and
administrative areas, so we still call for the public to remain extremely
vigilant of; and query; their surgeon's experience and accreditations.”
Considering
cosmetic surgery?
The risks
associated with cosmetic surgery can be serious. If you are considering
undergoing a cosmetic procedure, the best way to protect yourself is to
properly inform yourself about the procedure you are planning to undergo, and
thoroughly research the surgeon or doctor you are thinking of using.
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