RCSE Cosmetic Surgery

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Professional Standards for Cosmetic Surgery

The Royal College of Surgeons of England has developed guidance on professional standards for all surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery. Read or download Professional Standards for Cosmetic Surgery

The guidance addresses key areas of risk for cosmetic surgery including communication with patients, consent, professional behaviours, and dealing with the psychologically vulnerable patient. The standards aim to ensure that the needs of individual patients are at the centre of the consultation discussion, and that the operating surgeon and the patient are working in close partnership to ensure that the patient has enough time to make the right decision and is well informed about the potential risks and likely outcome of the procedure before they give their consent.

The principles of the guidance underpin the new cosmetic surgery certification scheme. They are part of the College’s response to the recommendations of the 2013 review by the Department of Health into the regulation of cosmetic interventions which noted that patients need better protection against the risks from cosmetic procedures.

This guidance should be read in conjunction with the GMC guidance for doctors who provide cosmetic interventions.

Cosmetic Surgery Certification Scheme

A clear set of cosmetic surgery standards is required to instill confidence in a prospective patient that their surgeon has the appropriate training, qualifications and experience to perform their chosen procedure.

Through the Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee (CSIC), the Royal College of Surgeons of England has developed a certification system that allows surgeons to demonstrate high professional and clinical standards. Patients and hospitals will be able to search for a certified surgeon on the RCSE website. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will take account of the RCSE standards when inspecting and rating services. This new system of certification will make the cosmetic surgery industry safer for patients and enhance the reputation of the profession.

The new cosmetic surgery certification scheme has now launched: Apply for certification.

Various links useful for certifications are:

• Requirements of certification
• What can surgeons do to prepare for certification?
• How is the evidence assessed?
• Apply for certification
• Renewal of certification

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