Rules governing cosmetics procedures in the UK to be reviewed
The investigation was launched by NHS medical director, Sir Bruce Keogh, who says he wants to outlaw practices that are not in the best interest of individuals who undergo a variety of procedures.
The review is expected to concentrate on making changing in three core areas, focusing on giving the patient time to carefully consider any cosmetic procedure, setting minimum standards for surgeons and a stipulation to outline potential side effects.
Forcing cosmetic surgeons to register and providing consumer assurance
Ultimately this would mean that all cosmetic surgery practitioners would have to register all devices on a detailed register to trace individual patience, as well as requiring all clinics to join a scheme that would provide patients with protection should they go out of business.
The review is expected to cover all types of cosmetics procedures, including ever popular anti-ageing dermal fillers such as Botox, which are now so widespread in the UK, individuals can simply drop in to a beauty practitioner without even making an appointment.
"I don't want anybody to get the impression that the cosmetic surgery industry is all tarred with one particular brush. There are parts of it that are run extremely well, very ethically with very, very high standards,” said Sir Bruce in a television interview with the BBC.
"There are, sadly though, some parts where there are some pretty grubby practices going on and that's why we're having the review."
Review panel aims to avoid repeat of PIP scandal
The review panel will consist Sir Bruce of a lobby group representatives campaigning on behalf of victims of the PIP scandal, medical health executives and the editor of women’s magazine Marie Claire, Trish Haplin.
The review was launched following the scandal surrounding Poly Implant Prosthese breast implants supplied by French company PIP, which were found to have had high-grade cosmetic use silicone replaced by low-grade, cheaper industrial-grade silicone.
When the scandal was revealed earlier this year, there was outrage across Europe, where the PIP implants had been widely used in procedures estimated to have been carried out on tens of thousands of women.
