Personal Injury Solicitors

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) has said that cosmetic surgeons carrying out operations which are beyond their own speciality is “a big problem” – and is calling for more regulation of surgeons.

The RCS told BBC News that cosmetic surgeons carrying out rhinoplasty – nose jobs – without being fully qualified to do the operation was just one of the problems. The college has launched a consultation with the aim of “cleaning up” the cosmetic surgery industry.

Ministers have previously described cosmetic surgery as a “cowboy industry”. Reputable cosmetic surgeons belong to organisations like the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons (Baaps). However, every cosmetic surgeon usually specialises in certain procedures, such as breast surgery or facial surgery.

Bogus cosmetic surgeons have been found to be operating in the UK – some may have little training or inappropriate surgical training for the operations they are carrying out; or may use cosmetic implants which cause harm, such as using industrial-grade rather than medical-grade silicon, which can cause infection and even death.

The scandal surrounding PIP breast implants used for cancer reconstruction after mastectomy and breast enhancement procedures is just one example of the harm caused by using sub-standard materials in cosmetic surgery.

Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) were implanted into thousands of women in France and the UK.

It is believed around 50,000 women in Britain were given PIP breast implants, which were found to contain industrial silicon after cases came to light in which the implants had ruptured and leaked. Many women are still pursuing claims for compensation four years after the scandal broke in 2010.

There have also been scandals surrounding inferior hip replacement joints – as well as cases involving botched surgery in cosmetic procedures, leaving patients scarred, disfigured and in pain.

The Royal College of Surgeons is calling for a register of certified cosmetic surgeons with a listing of their speciality to help patients make an informed decision about which surgeon to choose for a cosmetic surgery procedure.

Vice-President of the RCS Stephen Cannon said:

“Operating outside of speciality is a big problem in private practice as money is involved, so we hope to rectify that.
“There will be no concerns if you're already an established surgeon doing extremely well.

“But it'll stop the general practitioner doing the nose job, it'll stop the dermatologist lifting someone's breasts – it'll stop all that cowboy behaviour which goes on.”

Former president of Baaps, Nigel Mercer, said:

“This tightening of existing regulations will go a long way to help prospective patients and employing clinics recognise high-quality surgical expertise, leading to improved patient safety.”

Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence Solicitors – Cosmetic Surgery Claims

Duncan Lewis clinical negligence solicitors can advise cosmetic surgery patients who have been victims of poor cosmetic surgery or botched cosmetic procedures on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Cosmetic surgery patients have three years from the date of surgery or diagnosis of injury after cosmetic surgery in which to make a claim.

Minors who are victims of botched cosmetic surgery can make a no win no fee compensation claim up to the age of 21.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Cosmetic Surgery Claims, call Duncan Lewis clinical negligence solicitors on 020 7923 4020.