High-street cosmetic surgery clinics 'unregulated'

A report has claimed 56 per cent of high street cosmetic surgery clinics use poorly-equipped operating theatres, and could potentially harm patients...

Up to three-quarters of cosmetic surgery clinics are unregulated and potentially harming patients, according to a watchdog’s report published today.

The report, carried out by the The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) , an independent, Whitehall-funded body which aims to improve medical care, revealed that many of those carrying out treatments such as face lifts, breast enlargement and liposuction are not following basic safety guidelines.

The majority – 56 per cent – use poorly-equipped operating theatres – with some not even having resuscitation ‘crash’ trolleys needed if a patient suddenly has a heart attack.

According to the report,a quarter of these high street clinics are reeling women in for seemingly professional cosmetic treatments with their supermarket style prices, such as ‘three for the price of two’ on treatments like liposuction.

Nigel Mercer, president of The British Association of Plastic Surgeons , said: ‘These figures present a distressing picture, but one which is sadly not surprising to us as they only confirm what we have been saying for years – that there is an absolute need for statutory regulation in this sector.

The cosmetic surgery industry is worth an estimated £1.2billion a year and procedures such as weight-loss treatment and face-lifts are becoming increasingly popular among women, as well as a growing proportion of men. But the number of complaints is also rising.

What do you think about these ‘cowboy clinics’? Have you had any bad experiences? Let us know by commenting below.

CLICK HERE FOR CELEBRITY PLASTIC SURGERY GONE WRONG

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH NEWS