The cosmetic surgery industry is set to face a crack-down on aggressive marketing techniques, UK government advisers warned today.
Evidence submitted to a government review following the PiP implants scandal has overwhelmingly called for restrictions on promotion of procedures, it was announced.
Details of the evidence were being published today.
NHS medical director Sir Bruce Keogh is set to study the evidence and publish his own findings and recommendations for ministers in March.
According to proposals submitted to the review, the cosmetic surgery industry should guarantee that consultations about procedures take place with medical professionals – and not sales advisers.
There would also be a ban on free consultations – ensuring the patient felt free to make their own decisions.
There would be improved consent and information procedures while special deals, such as offering surgery as competition prizes, would be banned.
Writer Vivienne Parry, who sits on Sir Bruce’s review committee, said today:
"Aggressive marketing techniques are often used to maximise profit. This may be the right approach for selling double glazing but not for people having or considering whether to have surgery.
"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."
Leave a Reply