Plastic Surgery - it`s not just for Christmas

08 December 2005 (Last updated: 26 Mar 2019 13:05)

The BAAPS Condemn Surgery Christmas Vouchers as Cynical Marketing Ploy

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), the not-for-profit organisation established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit, today advised the public against buying plastic surgery Christmas gift vouchers, denouncing them as a cynical marketing ploy by commercial clinics.

The BAAPS have been expressing their concern at the increasing `commoditisation` of cosmetic procedures, exemplified by plastic surgery loyalty cards and, currently, holiday gift vouchers.

According to Adam Searle, consultant plastic surgeon and President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery;

"I find it breathtaking that after all the discussions on patient safety and care in modern medical practice, any organisation can feel comfortable using promotional gimmicks to entice patients into having any procedure, be it surgical or non-surgical , which should only be the result of careful consultation with a qualified practitioner."

"Unlike traditional holiday gifts, surgery cannot be returned in January, and exchanged for something more flattering."

According to the Association, patients first need to be evaluated by a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if he or she is a good candidate for a specific procedure, and decisions about plastic surgery should never be made without a thorough understanding of the risks involved.

According to Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President-Elect;

"These schemes are always for the clinic`s benefit, not the patient`s. Even if a procedure is non-surgical, there are still medical issues to consider. People should not enter into these commitments lightly,  plastic surgery is for life."

According to Adam Searle;

"Regardless of who pays the bill, surgery must always be self-motivated. Nobody should undergo cosmetic treatments at someone else`s suggestion or because it is offered to them as a gift, even from a `well-meaning` spouse, relative or friend. Aesthetic surgery is not one-size-fits-all, and a patient may not be a suitable candidate for fundamental medical reasons."

 

For all media enquiries, please contact pr@baaps.org.uk

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