From Spring 2016 surgeons will be able to apply for a certificate to show they are qualified and competent to perform cosmetic surgery.
It will allow cosmetic surgeons in private hospitals to show patients they have the appropriate standards of training and experience to perform cosmetic procedures, such as breast enlargements or tummy tucks.
Currently the law allows any doctor, surgeon or otherwise, to perform cosmetic surgery.
The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) is setting out what surgeons will need to do to apply for certification.
Mr Steve Cannon, Chair of the Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee, (CSIC) which was set up to oversee the changes, said: “It will make cosmetic surgery safer for patients, who for the first time, will be able to identify a highly qualified, experienced surgeon to perform a procedure through a register of surgeons. It will also make it simpler for hospitals to check the qualifications, experience and training of the doctors who work there. All eligible surgeons should apply for certification.”
In addition to the certificate, the RCS will be publishing clear, credible and unbiased information about cosmetic surgery for patients online. It will will include an option to search for a certified surgeon, and a checklist to help guide patients and surgeons through the pre-operative consultation.
The changes have been introduced following a government review into the regulation of cosmetic surgery, which was published in 2013, after the PIP breast implant scandal.
In 2012 a UK report found that breast implants made by the French company Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) contained industrial grade silicone and had double the rupture rate of other implants.
Our cosmetic surgery claims solicitors have won many cases against cosmetic surgeons and clinics. We believe that the impact of such cases has been a driver of improved standards and regulation.
The new certification and information from the RCS should help patients make an educated decision when considering cosmetic surgery.
Do you think that you may have a cosmetic surgery claim? Then contact one of our experts. Pryers are a leading national firm of Medical Negligence Lawyers and have extensive experience of cases involving negligent medical treatment. Our dedicated team of lawyers and experts are well equipped to investigate and advise on all issues of medical treatment.
