New Cosmetic surgery guidelines 'need to be strong enough' to protect patients
An expert in Liverpool has told Radio City News that if new guidelines for cosmetic surgery aren't enforced - vulnerable patients will continue to be put at risk..
An expert in Liverpool has told Radio City News that if new guidelines for cosmetic surgery aren't enforced - vulnerable patients will continue to be put at risk..
The General Medical Council have been establishing new guidelines to protect people from aggressive marketing and sales since 2015 - they're due to come into force soon. It's in response to concerns from a report by the Government into the regulation of the industry.
This followed safety concerns after nearly 50,000 women in the UK had PIP breast implants fitted. The French implants were made from an unauthorised silicone filler and were found to have double the rupture rate of other implants.
Some of the main points in the new guidance say that doctors should being open and honest with patients and not trivialise the risks involved; giving patients enough time and information before a procedure; Not target people under 18 through their marketing and seek additional advice from professionals who treat young people. Not make unjustifiable claims about the results they can achieve and not give away procedures as prizes
It's welcome news for some in the industry.
Mr Rizwan Alvi is a consultant plastic surgeon at Sthetix Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in Liverpool. He said: "We've already had disasters in the past. Unless proper guidelines are put in, then we'll continue to see people harmed by places who do not follow the same ethical principles. I'm really excited the GMC have taken on the recommendations of the Keogh report, and some of these will start to come in"
"One of the most important things patients need to a look at, they need to do their research. The fact it says cosmetic surgery, it's still surgery. If done for the wrong reasons, by the wrong people it can have a devastating impact on your life"
"It's very easy for people to end up in places where they have no comeback after the event. There are surgeons who fly in and out, and when things go wrong they never come back, there are others who don't have insurance, so can't pay to put things right. It's important to be wary"