Cosmetic Surgery

Over the past 10 years, the number of cosmetic surgery procedures carried out in the UK has increased by 20% year on year.

The popularity of these procedures does not mean that they are any safer than non-cosmetic procedures.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recorded 16,367 cosmetic procedures in 2004 - up from a total of 10,738 in 2003. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and properly regulated

Unfortunately there are other providers of cosmetic surgery who are not regulated in the same way and they accounted for around 40,000 procedures in 2004.

The vast majority (92%) were carried out on women - but cosmetic surgery is also growing in popularity among men.

For women, the top procedure was breast augmentation, while for men it was rhinoplasty - surgery on the nose.

The UK Cosmetic Surgery industry is worth £200 million per year.

A lot of people underestimate the risks associated with surgery. Unless people do their home work properly, cosmetic surgery aimed at making them look more attractive could end up leaving them scarred and deformed.

An illustration of this fact is that a lot of surgeons offering cosmetic services, state they are qualified with the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS). This does not mean that they have specialist training or experience in the field of cosmetic surgery. For example, one surgeon may be adept at performing rhinoplasty but not at breast augmentation.

A glossy brochure and expensive looking reception area does not automatically mean a person will receive satisfactory care.

Some people have advised they felt conned into going for surgery when they were advised afterwards that it was not necessary. Sometimes counselling can be much more effective and appropriate than choosing surgery.

'The Care Standards Act' was introduced in 2000 to improve the regulation of healthcare providers. The Act means that clinics and surgeons in private practice are now regulated by law.

It does not mean that the regulations are being followed, for instance proper counselling and a cool off period should be carried out with every patient.

The Medical Accident Group receives many enquiries from people who have been left traumatised by their negative experiences of cosmetic surgery.

A typical range of issues that our clients have experienced are as follows;

Poorly provided information, particularly a full explanation of all risks and alternatives

Nerve damage, usually following facial procedures

Unexpected scarring following procedures such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and liposuction

Poor outcome

Continuing pain or infection post surgery

Some of our lawyers have particular expertise in these areas and are familiar with the distressing results of failed surgery and how to go about getting compensation, including further surgery to limit the adverse affects of the original surgery.

If you have had cosmetic surgery within the last 3 years and feel that it had not gone according to your expectations then get in touch with The Medical Accident Group.