RCS publishes patient safety information to protect from “aggressive marketing” and “ruthless” sales tactics

The Royal College of Surgeons has launched an online resource for patients to counter the “aggressive marketing” campaigns and “ruthless” sales techniques employed within the cosmetic surgery sector.

As well as offering advice on how to choose the right surgeon and hospital, the site explains the risks of undergoing surgery and possible complications to consider. It also includes a section on questions to ask a surgeon, a downloadable checklist and three short animation films.

In the coming months the RCS will also publish a register of certified surgeons in different cosmetic procedures. This will allow patients to look for a surgeon who has provided evidence that they have the appropriate training, experience and insurance to practise in the UK.

The Department of Health asked the RCS to produce the patient information resource and set up a certification system following the Keogh Reviewin 2013. This found that there was an urgent need to improve regulation of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical practices in the UK.