An Ugly Industry Secret?

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An Ugly Industry Secret?

Let’s Talk Allegations of ‘Hard-Sell’ Tactics and Malpractice

A £360 million plus business that is purely profit hungry? Well, Yes. That’s the conclusion that many of the 1.4 million members of the public that would consider having cosmetic surgery may soon be drawing after reading the recent press coverage of an investigation by the Guardian and consumers’ association Which? The evidence stacks up to reveal an industry with a not so flawless complexion. Even its own trade association has admitted that ‘bad practice’ is rife. It’s going to have to pick its treatments very carefully to remedy this negative picture and restore patient confidence.

Both invasive procedures and non surgical treatments have been put under the microscope and bad practice is multiplying like bad bacteria. Some clinics and practitioners have been found to be conducting illegal and dangerous activities.

The evidence against the 'cowboy clinicians'

Which?’s dossier of evidence captures examples of wrong doing and pressure selling that contravene ‘The Good Medical Practice in Cosmetic Surgery code of conduct’, drawn up by the industry's Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS). Britain ’s top operators are named and shamed.

The Hard Sell

There have been an increasing number of cases where cash has replaced ethics in the sign up process; where clinic benefits dominate over patient needs. Inappropriate persuasion techniques and time pressured demands are placed repeatedly upon patients by unprincipled advocates.

Unqualified Staff Conducting Treatments

Can you be certain that your consultant knows what to do in the event of an allergic reaction or unforeseen medical emergency? They may seem professional and understanding but are they really even qualified?

Illegal Advertisements

Promotional materials that mislead and others that offer dubious deals that contravene current regulations. Money off for making certain booking deadlines, botox campaigns, deceiving before and after photos, BOGOF offers, surgery as competition prizes and financial rewards for referrals.

Substandard Operations

Unfortunately the horror stories you may have read in lifestyle magazines are becoming more of a reality than an anomaly. Read about Rachel’s botched operation in the Observer's investigation November 25th 2007.

Poor regulation?

The industry’s self regulation does not appear to be working and rigorous checking of company credentials shouldn’t be the sole responsibility of the customer. Is it time for the market to be policed more strictly by the Healthcare Commission the NHS regulator for England. SkinGenesis policies and procedures for IPL treatments are audited and inspected by the Healthcare Commission annually. Should all treatments, such as Botox, also be scrutinised? Tighter regulation will lead to greater patient safety, in short protect people.

Steps towards Safer Surgery: Protect yourself

At SkinGenesis we specialise in safe, effective and affordable non-surgical skin treatment. But if you decide on surgery then remember it’s nothing short of life changing so know the facts! Rajiv Grover a leading plastic surgeon offers his advice in the Observer's coverage.

Further details:

For latest information on the Which? campaign
www.which.co.uk/cosmetic

For advice from the Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk/cosmeticsurgery

For advice from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
http://www.baaps.org.uk/ or its advice line: 020-7405 3324