BAAPS launches campaign to address issues surrounding qualifications

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has launched the "Discover the Distinction Safety Campaign" to address the ongoing issues surrounding the qualifications and credentials of practitioners in the field.

It says a significant challenge facing patients is the misleading titles used by some practitioners without proper qualifications, such as 'cosmetic doctor’ or ‘cosmetic surgeon’, exposing unaware patients to potential risks associated with invasive procedures and unfavourable outcomes.

It says there's also a misconception that practitioners operating from renowned locations like Harley Street automatically possess superior skills and qualifications.

President of BAAPS, Marc Pacifico, emphasises the importance of discernment when choosing a surgeon, explaining, “Many people mistakenly believe that a Harley Street address automatically validates a doctor's credentials, this assumption is not accurate, because anyone can rent rooms in Harley Street. The geographical location of the practice has no impact on the surgery's outcome or the skill of the practitioner. Always do your due diligence: make sure your surgeon is a member of their appropriate governing body. For a surgeon this should be The Royal College of Surgeons and that they are a member of BAAPS.”

To assist patients in making informed decisions, BAAPS recommends evaluating three key criteria before proceeding with cosmetic surgery:

• Is the surgeon listed on the GMC specialist register and affiliated with FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Cosmetic Surgeons) or an equivalent professional body?
• Are they a member of BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon) or BAPRAS (The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons)?
• Is the clinic or facility Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered?

By ensuring affirmative answers to these questions, patients can proceed with confidence, knowing they are in capable hands for a comprehensive consultation with a qualified surgeon.

BAAPS encourages patients to utilise their database of Specialist Plastic Surgeons who are all qualified to carry out aesthetic plastic surgery procedures through the Royal College of Surgeons.