MP: Cosmetic surgery standards like double glazing salesmen
November 28, 2016
Many medical and legal experts are once again focusing on porous industry practices for cosmetic surgery standards. This after Kevan Jones, member of parliament for North Durham, describes the industry as “behaving like double glazing salesmen.” Furthermore, Jones calls for more to be done to protect the public from poor industry practice.
Damning 2013 review of cosmetic surgery standards
A review in 2013 by the medical director of the NHS in England, Sir Bruce Keogh, foresaw much of this. Keogh warned then that procedures being carried out such as breast implants and anti-wrinkle “fillers” could cause long-term harm. Despite this, the report notes the industry was subject to the regulations as stringent as those for ballpoint pens and toothbrushes.
Keogh was also harsh on a culture of “special offers” that bely cosmetic surgery standards. In short, the lack of industry qualifications and inadequate protection in place make it possible. For instance, allowing industrial grade silicone breast implants for use prior to rupturing in patients in 2012.
Despite the 2013 report and the number of changes as a result of it, problems still remain. Accordingly, the Royal College of Surgeons notes that any qualified private doctor, not necessarily a surgeon, can perform cosmetic surgery behind closed doors. In short, this constitutes an unnecessary risk and damages the reputation of the professional medical sector.
Jones, for one, agrees.
“We have here a classic example of the market – not only failing – but exploiting people. Which is ruining their lives and costing the NHS millions of pounds per year… The whole thrust of advertising is to sell procedures without any counselling or advice on whether it is appropriate for an individual to undergo them.”
Common Standards in Advertising
It is common for private clinics to directly market to people who have already undergone cosmetic surgery. Particularly through social media and email. As such, many ascertain that these practices are under scrutiny and review from the Advertising Standards Agency.
Cosmetic surgery, much like any surgical procedure, is not without risk. But once again the industry finds itself under the spotlight for failing to adequately mitigate those dangers. As many as 1 in 5 people are unhappy with cosmetic surgery procedures they undergo. Moreover, some of those will endure unnecessary pain, potential infections and several operations to correct initial mistake.
As a result, cosmetic surgery negligence claims are increasing and lawyers are increasingly having to bring to task clinics who have failed their clients through inadequate consultation, malpractice or poor standards of care.
If you would like to discuss any problems you’ve experienced with cosmetic surgery, contact The Medical Negligence Experts today.