Major review into cosmetic procedures launched

The cosmetic surgery industry is under scrutiny and could find itself operating under tighter restrictions following a major review into cosmetic surgery and procedures launched by the Department of Health.

The review, requested by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley and led by the NHS Medical Director, Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, is in response to concerns raised about the industry following problems with PiP breast implants.

It will look at many issues including whether the right amount of regulation is in place, if people have the right amount of information before going through with surgery and how to make sure patients get the right aftercare.

The Secretary of State for Health has also requested that the review considers a national implant register, for products such as breast implants and other medical devices. The information could include the date and place of the operation, the clinical outcome as well as a method of identifying the patients who received the product.