Surgeons have launched a new campaign to ensure patients are safe when they choose cosmetic surgery.
The Royal College of Surgeons is offered patients advice on how to choose the right surgeon and hospital.
Its new information centre, launched today, sets out the risks and complications of surgery and suggests questions to ask a surgeon before agreeing to a procedure.
It says patients should take at least two weeks after seeing a surgeon before deciding to agree to surgery.
The college is also due to publish a register of cosmetic surgeons, who have satisfied it that they have the right training and experience to practise.
Last year the private sector in England performed more than 51,000 cosmetic surgery procedures.
Stephen Cannon, college vice-president, said: “The cosmetic surgery industry is booming, but due to the aggressive marketing and ruthless sales tactics of some unscrupulous companies, it can be very difficult for patients to find independent, trustworthy information which gives them a clear idea of what an operation would entail.
“Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a big decision which should never be taken lightly and we would urge anyone to think carefully about it. The vast majority of cosmetic surgery is carried out in the private sector and many people do not realise that the law currently allows any qualified doctor – surgeon or otherwise – to perform cosmetic surgery, without undertaking additional training or qualifications."
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