This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-33029250

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Doctors' cosmetic surgery guidance urges more honesty Doctors' cosmetic surgery guidance urges more honesty
(35 minutes later)
Doctors who carry out cosmetic procedures should give patients time to think before agreeing to go ahead, new guidance says.Doctors who carry out cosmetic procedures should give patients time to think before agreeing to go ahead, new guidance says.
The General Medical Council has produced the guidance to make surgical and non-surgical procedures, such as facelifts, breast implants, dermal fillers and Botox, safer.The General Medical Council has produced the guidance to make surgical and non-surgical procedures, such as facelifts, breast implants, dermal fillers and Botox, safer.
It will now consult doctors and the public about the guidance.It will now consult doctors and the public about the guidance.
Plastic surgeons said they were already using a two-week cooling-off period.Plastic surgeons said they were already using a two-week cooling-off period.
In 2013, a report by NHS England's medical director highlighted the risks associated with the cosmetic sector.In 2013, a report by NHS England's medical director highlighted the risks associated with the cosmetic sector.
This followed safety concerns after nearly 50,000 women in the UK had PIP breast implants fitted. The French implants were made from an unauthorised silicone filler and were found to have double the rupture rate of other implants.This followed safety concerns after nearly 50,000 women in the UK had PIP breast implants fitted. The French implants were made from an unauthorised silicone filler and were found to have double the rupture rate of other implants.
In January, the Royal College of Surgeons published a consultation on proposals to improve standards in cosmetic surgery.In January, the Royal College of Surgeons published a consultation on proposals to improve standards in cosmetic surgery.
The GMC sets the standards that are expected of all UK doctors who carry out cosmetic procedures. It also tries to help patients understand what to expect from their doctor.The GMC sets the standards that are expected of all UK doctors who carry out cosmetic procedures. It also tries to help patients understand what to expect from their doctor.
Some of the main points in the new guidance say that doctors should:Some of the main points in the new guidance say that doctors should:
Prof Terence Stephenson, the chairman of the General Medical Council, said some patients in this area were vulnerable and needed protecting.Prof Terence Stephenson, the chairman of the General Medical Council, said some patients in this area were vulnerable and needed protecting.
"We are clear that doctors must not pressure patients to make rushed decisions they may end up regretting and they must give them enough information so they can make an informed choice.""We are clear that doctors must not pressure patients to make rushed decisions they may end up regretting and they must give them enough information so they can make an informed choice."
Rajiv Grover, consultant plastic surgeon and former President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps), welcomed the GMC's guidance because he said some patients were psychologically unsuitable for cosmetic surgery.Rajiv Grover, consultant plastic surgeon and former President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps), welcomed the GMC's guidance because he said some patients were psychologically unsuitable for cosmetic surgery.
"Cosmetic surgery has for too long been seen as a commodity but unfortunately once an operation is done - it can't be taken back to the shop.""Cosmetic surgery has for too long been seen as a commodity but unfortunately once an operation is done - it can't be taken back to the shop."
He said Baaps had insisted on a two-week cooling-off period for many years and also encouraged a second consultation with a surgeon before a decision was made.He said Baaps had insisted on a two-week cooling-off period for many years and also encouraged a second consultation with a surgeon before a decision was made.
The association is looking into developing a screening tool to help identify patients who should not have surgery.The association is looking into developing a screening tool to help identify patients who should not have surgery.
The final GMC guidance is expected to be published in early 2016.The final GMC guidance is expected to be published in early 2016.
Have you been affected by any of the issues raised in this story? You can share your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
If you would be happy to speak further to a BBC journalist, please include a contact telephone number when emailing us your details.