IPRAS - Plastic Surgery Research

Plastic Surgery is now a rapidly growing industry with thousands of new patients opting each year to undergo elective cosmetic procedures at dedicated clinics across the UK. Between 2008 and 2009 the cosmetic surgery market is estimated to have increased by 12% and is now valued at £2.3 billion a year.

Statistics show that-surgical procedures only represent approx 10% of all cosmetic treatments and that Breast Augmentation is the single most common cosmetic surgery procedure with in excess of 28,000 women requesting this treatment in 2009.

The UK cosmetic surgery industry is still largely unregulated despite numerous guidelines, measures and industry standards in place. The General Medical Council (GMC) maintains a register of all practising plastic surgeons however, many unlicensed procedures are performed each year by unregistered surgeons.

           

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) (http://www.the-mdu.com/topnav_about_the_mdu_0/nav_Professional_Indemnity_Policy_5.asp)

 requires registered Cosmetic Surgeons are required to pay high indemnity fees up to around £40,000 to protect against patient claims for surgical negligence or damage resulting from treatment. The MDU’s figures show that there has been a gradual yearly increase in the number of patient claims made however this figure remains as a small percentage of all cosmetic procedures carried out. 

Research Studies from the Plastic Surgery Research Library (http://www.bodyfaq.com/plastic-surgery-library/plastic-surgery-improving-appearances.html) suggest that the majority of patients experience improved body image confidence after surgery but are also more likely undergo further treatments.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (http://www.plasticsurgery.org/)

hold annual meetings where members, industry specialists and surgical affiliates gather to discuss new research and findings.

Photos are owned by EBurl and by Waldo Jaquith.