Travel vouchers for surgery scheme `absurd`

British Association of Aesthetic Surgeons Condemn Unscrupulous Marketing Strategies

15 May 2006 (Last updated: 26 Mar 2019 13:06)

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 condemned the latest marketing tactics by commercial clinics, which include free travel vouchers in return for booking cosmetic procedures, as well as a new `privilege club` scheme which rewards the patient with `points` for the amount of surgery they have done.

According to Adam Searle, consultant plastic surgeon and President of the BAAPS;

"I am continually shocked by these absurd marketing gimmicks. I find it appalling that any reputable medical practitioner could sanction these kinds of promotions, which offer incentives to book more and more surgical procedures each time . At the BAAPS we unequivocally condemn these practices, as they compromise what should be a sensible approach to a serious and life-altering decision."

The Association have also, in the past, warned the public about choosing to undergo many procedures at the same time. One of the latest offers available to the public have included summer `body makeovers` or `total overhauls`, which can include having a breast op as well as fat removal, or other treatments, taking place simultaneously.

According to Adam Searle;

"There is a danger attached to having many procedures at once. Common sense indicates that bigger operations can generate bigger problems. This is not a decision to be reached lightly, and should never be offered without careful, individual consultations, and without the hype."

Of particular concern also is the offer of a holiday to accompany the surgery. Not only is it strongly inadvisable to expose fresh scars to the sun, but what the `package deal` seems to overlook that people may be bruised and on medication for weeks after a serious operation.

According to Adam Searle;

"Cosmetic surgery can have a positive impact on the right person, in the right circumstances. It is not something people should be encouraged to do for flimsy `summer body` reasons. The suggestion that surgery is `as easy as going on a holiday` is, at best, misleading , at worst, a dangerous lie."

 

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

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