The review couldn’t come at a better time. A recent survey shows that many people consider the cost of surgery far more important than the qualifications of the person wielding the knife. When 1,762 were asked about getting ‘work’ done – not just breast enlargement but anything from a nose job to a facelift, eyelid lift, liposuction or even non-surgical procedures such as Botox – two thirds said they would consider cost as a factor. However, only half of those questioned said they would take the qualifications of their practitioner into consideration, and fewer than half were concerned about the quality of their aftercare.
It also indicated that the problems with PIP implants had put many women off surgery in the first place, with 45 per cent of those who might have considered it before saying they had changed their minds. This compares to 24 per cent of men.
“The recent problems with PIP breast implants have shone a light on the cosmetic surgery industry,” says Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, the NHS medical director leading the review.
“Many questions have been raised – particularly around the regulation of clinics, whether all practitioners are adequately qualified, how well people are advised when money is changing hands, aggressive marketing techniques and what protection is available when things go wrong.
“I am concerned that too many people do not realise how serious cosmetic surgery is and do not consider the life-long implications – and potential complications – it can have.”
He has called on all those who have had a cosmetic procedure, particularly those who have had a bad experience, to get in touch. His recommendations are expected to be presented to the government by March next year.
http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/health/a-forthcoming-review-of-cosmetic-practices-aims-to-make-treatment-safer-and-improve-aftercare-1-2490666
