The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps) has stated that there needs to be more regulation of the cosmetic surgery industry, as with all other healthcare services. The President of Baaps, Fazel Fatah, claims that “…the pendulum has swung too far and it is time for change.”
The cosmetic surgery industry is being criticised for its insensitive and ‘gimmicky’ advertising which trivialises major surgery. From ‘sun and surgery holidays’ to ‘mummy makeovers’ Baaps write that “…in no other area of surgery would one encounter Christmas vouchers and two-for-one offers.”
The Medical Director of the NHS, Prof Sir Bruce Keogh, has replied to the Association by promising that all areas of regulation in the cosmetic industry will be looked at again to ensure that the care and welfare of patients comes first. Just as the advertising of prescription medicine has been banned, the promotion of cosmetic surgery will be assessed and may well be stopped following the recommendations of Baaps.
