Cosmetic surgery industry report calls for tighter regulations

Interim findings from a review of the UK cosmetic surgery industry has highlighted widespread support for greater restrictions on sales techniques.

Published by NHS Medical Director Sir Bruce Keogh, the report reveals that the majority of those consulted believe the sector employs overly aggressive sales tactics designed to maximise profits that are inappropriate within healthcare.

A number of measures have been proposed to combat this, including a ban on free cosmetic surgery consultations, two-for-one promotions and time-restricted offers, as well as rules to ensure any consultations take place with a medical professional rather than a sales adviser.

It was also suggested that patients should be asked for consent in a two-stage process and provided with more details on potential risks, including photos of expected bruising and scarring.

Vivienne Parry, review committee member, writer and broadcaster said: "Everyone who decides to have cosmetic surgery should have time to think about the risks. Time limited deals and offers on voucher websites pressure people to make snap decisions."

This review was launched in August 2012 and comes in response to the concerns raised by patients following the national PiP breast implant safety scandal.