Surgeons urge advertising ban on cosmetic surgery

Leading plastic surgeons are calling for a ban on the advertising of cosmetic surgery amid fears over the lack of regulation

Following the PIP breast implant scandal, which affected 50,000 British women, leading experts are urging tighter rules governing all cosmetic procedures.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has welcomed the move as ministers urge NHS Medical Director, Sir Bruce Keogh, to review cosmetic and plastic surgery regulations.

BAAPS say that, although advertising rules ban any promotion of medicines and licensed drugs directly to the public, no such ban exists for surgery - providing a loophole and allowing a 'cowboy' market to flourish.

'Despite the unfortunate scandal which has brought this issue onto the agenda, it is an absolute joy for us to hear that, this year, the Government will be examining the lax regulations in our sector,' says cosmetic plastic surgeon and BAAPS President Fazel Fatah.

Concerns have arisen that unscrupulous companies have offered loyalty cards, two for one offers, travel vouchers and whole body make-overs as competition prizes as part of their marketing strategy.

It is understood MPs will be reviewing these marketing activities, which take advantage of the young and vulnerable, as well as areas such as psychological counselling for patients.

Fatah says: 'We would like to offer the Commons select committee a simple, six-point plan that will not only aid their investigations, but offer a straightforward solution moving forward that will help safeguard the public.'

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