Cosmetic surgery clamp down

PiP breast implant scandal prompts questioning London – Caroline Kent A report commissioned by the UK Department of Health after the PiP breast implant scandal has found patients and industry groups want tighter restrictions. The interim report, including responses from patients, the public and industry, was published today as part of the review. It found people want to see tighter restrictions around the industry to protect patients from aggressive sales techniques, cut-price two-for-one or time-limited deals, and cosmetic surgery as competition prizes. Science journalist Vivien Parry, who is on the review panel, told Sky News: "I have been really shocked by what I've seen. For instance, 17 year olds being plagued by texts saying: 'In less than a year's time you'll be able to have cosmetic surgery.'" She added: "I just think that's awful. What it does to the psyche of young girls is one thing. But it sets up a cosmetic procedure, which has both short-term and long-term risks, as if it were something entirely trivial." Experts and campaigners want to firstly introduce better information for patients, providing them with photographs showing expected bruising and scarring as well as any potential long term effects on their health so that they are fully informed, before commencing a two-stage written consent process so that people have time to reflect. Ms Parry said: "You can buy one procedure, get another procedure for free, bring along a friend, or have cosmetic surgery as a raffle prize. It concentrates on the money side of it so people forget about the health side." A spokesman for cosmetic surgeons has said in response to the interim report that: “Procedures should not be sold as a commodity." The health secretary asked Sir Bruce Keogh, the NHS medical director, to look at the regulation and safety of products used in cosmetic surgery and the care given to patients both during and after their treatment. A final report is due on March 1.