Background - cosmetic surgery certification

The 'Cosmetic Surgery Certification Scheme' was launched on the 12 January 2017 in response to the Keogh Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions. This initiative aimed to address significant patient safety concerns and the lack of regulation in cosmetic surgery practice in the UK.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England established and supported the 'Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee' (CSIC) and a series of working groups to set the standards and criteria for the scheme. This effort was funded by the Department of Health in England. The CSIC included representatives from across the public and private sectors across the UK and all relevant Surgical Specialist Associations (SSAs). The Presidents of two SSAs led working groups within the CSIC framework. The CSIC also included representatives from the Department of Health, the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments, the General Medical Council (GMC), and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

While most surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery provide good care to their patients, the Keogh Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions (2013) highlighted an urgent need for robust regulation of cosmetic practices and made recommendations to address the identified problems.

Useful links

• Keogh Review of The Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions (April 2013)
• Government Response to the Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions
• Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
• Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP)
• Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN)
• Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requirements
• Revalidation and whole practice appraisal
• Health Education England