APIL PI Focus: March 2013
Only surgeons should provide cosmetic surgery and, only doctors, dentists and nurses who have been appropriately trained should provide non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as Botox, the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) has recommended. Currently, non-surgical procedures such as laser treatments or injectables such as Botox, can be administered by anyone, anywhere, with no medical training.
Aimed at all doctors, dentists and nurses involved in cosmetic practice, Professional Standards for Cosmetic Practice focuses on the behaviour and competencies medical professionals should be expected to demonstrate when providing cosmetic procedures. The standards state that financial deals, such as time limited discounts, should be banned and stringent psychological assessment promoted. They also set out the professional duty practitioners have to their patients.
Mr Steve Cannon, chairman of the working party and RCS council member, said, “As the majority of cosmetic procedures are not available on the NHS, we must ensure that commercial interests do not compromise patient safety. With the demand for cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatments rising year on year, it is crucial that the highest level of professionalism is maintained amongst practitioners.”
